20 February 2021– Banyana Banyana Captain and Glasgow City defender, Janine van Wyk is ready to compete in the SWPL after recovering from injury late last year.
Van Wyk returned to a cold and icy Scotland in January, after recovering from an MCL injury sustained in a training session. Although the Skipper has not yet played a match in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, she has made one appearance for City in the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Champions League against VfL Wolfsburg, adding yet another accolade to her already illustrious career.
Rejoining her club team and looking forward to finally taking the field for the Scottish Champions, they were blown another set back when Covid restrictions in Scotland put the Women’s league on hold, delaying the restart of the league in early January. With the Corona Virus numbers continuing to rise in the UK, the Women’s Football suspension has been extended until 1 March.
Speaking on her injury, Head Coach Scott Booth shared his thoughts: “The whole club was extremely disappointed for Janine when her MCL injury happened. We knew her rehabilitation wouldn’t be quick or easy, and Janine was absolutely gutted as she had started to find her rhythm at Glasgow City. Janine has such a positive mind set and is the ultimate professional. This has been key to her fantastic recovery!”
Booth continues to hail the South African defender, “It goes without saying that Janine is a top footballer. She defends naturally, her individual technique is excellent, as are her communication skills but it’s the football mentality and her personality on and off the pitch that sets her apart.”
“Janine is back in with the ball now and is getting stronger with every session. This has been such a difficult time for everyone but the thought of playing matches again helps keep us going. Personally, I can’t wait to see her playing alongside her teammates again, wearing that orange kit and representing Glasgow City FC.”
Van Wyk has been putting in extra work, ensuring that she is fit and ready to compete when the league resumes, and cannot wait to finally make her SWPL debut: “I am extremely excited to be back and settled in Scotland, and have used this restriction period as an opportunity to get back to full fitness without having to miss any matches. I’m so looking forward to the restart of the league, and hoping that I can contribute to another league title for Glasgow City.” added the defender.
City who is sitting behind rivals, Rangers on the SWPL log, will be looking to secure maximum points when the league resumes. Tie on points and a marginal goal difference separating the two Glasgow-based teams, it will be a tough contested race to the finish line.
Article credit: Waxed-admin (www.janinevanwyk.com)