Good start for Banyana skipper in USA
USA-based Banyana Banyana skipper Janine van Wyk says she could not hide excitement after kick-starting her season on a positive for Houston Dash getting a victory over Chicago Red Stars last weekend.
Banyana captain Janine van Wyk (Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix)
The defender says she knew that she would start the game and is now looking forward to more games after helping her side win their opening match of the season in the National Women’s Soccer League.
“Playing my first game for my new club was the realization of a dream come true. I am glad everything went well for me, I was quite nervous but ready at the same time just before kick off because I knew I had to put up a good performance to show my worth, but also to give myself a good start for the season ahead,” said Van Wyk.
“I knew that I would start because the whole week at training I was being used as a starting player so I could prepare myself mentally for the game. I was very excited to know the coach also has trust in me. Now I am looking forward to all the upcoming games, I am just glad that the first one is out of the way.”
Having made an overseas move at a later stage in her career, the 30-year old defender believes she is an inspiration to many South African players who wish to ply their trade outside of the country.
“I definitely feel that I am an inspiration and therefore it gives me another reason to keep working hard and stand out because although it hasn’t been an easy journey for me, I still managed to reach my dream. This can only mean that you should never give up on your dreams – some day it will become a reality,” she added.
