South Africa captain Janine van Wyk signs for Glasgow City in 'one of the biggest ever signings in Scottish women's football'
Scotland’s only club in the Champions League, Glasgow City, say that they have pulled off “without doubt one of the biggest ever signings in Scottish women’s football” by signing South Africa captain Janine van Wyk.
The 33-year-old centre-back is South Africa’s most-capped player of all time - of either sex - with 170, and after leading South Africa to the Women’s World Cup in France last summer became the first woman in history to captain a South African team at the competition. Previous clubs include Houston Dash from America’s NWSL, as well as JVW FC, the club she founded in 2013 to broaden opportunities for female players in South Africa.
“If we are talking about players who are known across the world, Janine is in that category,” said Glasgow City club manager Laura Montgomery. “Her record is incredible on and off the pitch in what she has done for girls' and women’s sport in her own country, as well as in her promotion of equality.
“Her jersey is on display at the Fifa Museum next to the other top female players in the world. This is the calibre of player and individual that she is. At Glasgow City, we are all about championing women and girls and Janine very much fits into that mould. Her footballing CV is very impressive and we are delighted she has chosen to continue her journey with our club.”
Van Wyk - who has been to the previous two Olympic Games with South Africa - said: "I am extremely excited to start this new chapter in my football career with a football club that is known to be the best team in the Scottish top League. I look forward to playing in the Uefa Women’s Champions League, win titles and most importantly continue to learn as much as I can about the insights of the game and hopefully add value to the squad with the experience I carry."
Glasgow City face Wolfsburg in the Champions League quarter-finals in San Sebastian on August 21.
Head coach Scott Booth continued: “We are absolutely delighted to bring Janine van Wyk to our club. She has incredible experience and I feel this will be key for us this season. Janine captained her nation at the 2019 World Cup and is their record cap-holder. I know that she will 100 per cent lead by example and fit into our already talented squad.”
