When it comes to Janine van Wyk, you can’t mention the name without mentioning great accomplishment, and she was once again deservedly lauded in recent days for her contribution to women’s football.
South Africa’s most-capped African footballer received an Ubuntu Sports Diplomacy Award at a ceremony on Saturday, 10 February 2024, and the poster girl for women’s soccer is no stranger to being on the awards stage, being the pioneering trailblazer throughout her illustrious career.
Van Wyk is in good company when it comes to former winners including her old teammate and fellow Banyana Banyana captain, Amanda Dlamini, as well as Olympian and top sportswomen, Caster Semenya, who have both been recipients.
“First and foremost I am privileged to be part of such an esteemed gathering tonight, I would like to express my gratitude for this honour. Accepting this prestigious award is truly a humbling experience. This recognition doesn’t only represent the determination of years of hard work and dedication but also symbolises the resilience and perseverance that has defined my football journey.”
Ubuntu Sports Diplomacy Award Recipient, Janine van Wyk
“I have a lengthy career of 30 years and recently retired from playing football but I still can’t pull myself out of the sporting environment as I feel I must continue with a legacy of uniting people through sport and pushing others to achieve their dreams. I have witnessed over the years how sport has the remarkable ability to bring people together irrespective of their backgrounds, culture, race, religion, or nationality. Sport is a universal language that unites us in pursuit of pure fulfilment in our lives.
“This award is not just a reflection of my achievement, but a testament to the collective effort of everyone who has been part of my journey,” she said in her acceptance speech.
Watch Janine van Wyk’s Acceptance Speech (Opens Twitter/X page)
Van Wyk’s latest accolade recognises South African leaders and citizens for their distinguished service and contribution to promoting the country’s national interests and values across the world.
The iconic footballer recently called time on an illustrious career which saw her become the most capped player on the African continent.
Van Wyk has really used her star power to plough back in to the women’s game. The 36-year-old founded JVW FC in 2013 to show her commitment to getting girls and women involved in soccer and, having started with just one team, the club now has five teams, and including top-flight competition in South Africa’s leading women’s football leagues.
The former Banyana captain also shared a post on her instagram after she won the award where she spoke about just how much it means to be recognised in such a way for her contribution to women’s soccer.
Photo: JaninevanWyk5 on Instagram
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Department of International Relations & Cooperation for this incredible honour. To my coaches, teammates, mentors, supporters, family, and friends who have played an instrumental role in my success, thank you. Your unwavering belief in me has been a constant source of motivation and inspiration” – the post read alongside a picture of Van Wyk and her award.
No doubt that she will very much still be part of the game that she so loves as she looks to build the legacy she left on the field as well as off it. Van Wyk continues to display excellence in all she does and will forever be etched in the history books of women’s soccer not just in South African but in the World. We can’t wait to see what she will be getting up to next!
Main Photo Caption: When it comes to Janine van Wyk, you can’t mention her name without mentioning success and she was again recognised for her contribution to women’s football. The most capped player on the continent recently received an Ubuntu Sports Diplomacy Award at a ceremony on Saturday, 10 February, 2024. Photo: JaninevanWyk5 on Instagram
Photo 2 Caption: Janine van Wyk continues to display excellence in all she does and will forever be etched in the history books of women’s soccer not just in South African but in the World. We can’t wait to see what she will be getting up to next!. Photo: JaninevanWyk5 on Instagram
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
