Banyana defender heartbroken after FIFA World Cup snub

Banyana Banyana defender and ex-skipper Janine Van Wyk is heartbroken following the FIFA World Cup snub, saying she is venturing into coaching.

Van Wyk is also part of the team of panelists assembled by SABC Sport and the veteran Banyana defender revealed that she has not retired.

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The founder of Janine van Wyk Ladies FC said she is disappointed she is not part of coach Desiree Ellis’ World Cup squad.

EX-BANYANA DEFENDER ON FIFA WORLD CUP SNUB

The 36-year-old says Banyana stalwart is not planning on retiring anytime soon as she is currently occupied with her coaching badges.

Speaking about missing this year’s global showpiece that is organised in Australia and New Zealand, the Ekurhuleni-born footballer said she expected to be part of the team.

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“I would have loved to go and use my experience off the field. Even at Afcon I only played 1 match, the rest of the time I was giving my knowledge and helping Des,” she told 947.

“I brought that calmness to the players and reinforced how good they are and how valuable they are as individuals.”

Moreover, the club owner revealed that she does engage the current FIFA World Cup players and hopes they are ready for the opening match against Sweden on Sunday.

“I thought that could be something that I could do at this tournament as well. It hasn’t stopped me from speaking to the players and they are in a good space and ready for the opening game against Sweden,” she added.

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“They know the pressure is on them, they made a big noise this side and got the country behind them in certain things but they know they be screaming about things and then not delivering on the field.”

BANYANA STAR VAN WYK HAS NOT RETIRED FROM FOOTBALL

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Addressing the retirement issue, the seasoned defender and CAF African Women’s Cup of Nations Winner with Banyana, has rubbished the reports.

Van Wyk boasts a record 183 appearances for Banyana, but she is setting her sights on reaching 185 caps before she hangs up her boots.

“I have not retired, I don’t where those stories come from. I have a record to break and that’s to be the most capped player on the African continent, male or female,” Van Wyk added.

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“Currently have 183 caps, so with two more I will break the record. I would retire straight after that because of everything else I wanted to achieve in the game I have done.

“I have acquired my UEFA B license and CAF B license as well and coaching is something that I want to get into once I stop playing.”