Captain of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana Janine van Wyk is over the moon following her first league title victory on foreign soil.
The South African defender, joined by compatriot, striker Ode Fulutudilu have been crowned league champions in Scotland with Glasgow City.
The duo helped their side to a 2-0 victory over rivals Rangers in the final fixture of the season played on Sunday, 6 June 2021 at Broadwood Stadium – leading to a back-to-back title triumph.
City went into the match three points ahead of Celtic – the only side challenging for the title – and knew that only a draw would see them over the line.
Goals from Hayley Lauder (12th minute) and Niamh Farrelly (32nd) ensured City sealed their 14th consecutive title.
“Winning the league title here in the Scotttish League is absolutely amazing – 14 in a row for this club, this very special club. I am proud that I have contributed this season to another league title for Glasgow City,” said Van Wyk from her Scottish base.
“It has been a tough year, with Covid-19 restrictions and having to train individually. Then I came over here but sustained a knee injury, and I missed the first half of the seasaon with the club. I returned to action in January this year to finish off the second half of the season where we were second behind Rangers.”
City managed to collect a total of 56 points – three clear of second-placed Celtic – but both have qualified for the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the first ever for Celtic.
Both Van Wyk and Fulutudilu featured in the final game of the season – with the Banyana Banyana captain playing the entire 90 minutes.
“We came back a lot stronger in the second half of the season, with a couple of new players that had come in to strengthen the team a little bit. I have played most of the matches and so I am glad I contributed to the league title,” added Van Wyk.
“It is so overwhelming right now. I have received several messages on social media as well as personally, and it just feels so good knowing that I have come here and accomplished what I set out to do with the club. I am extremely happy for it and it’s an amazing feeling – winning is always the best feeling.”
This is the first ever gold medal win in Europe for the South African defender, while Fulutudilu was collecting her second after she lifted the league trophy with Aland United in Finland last season.
“I am glad that I have a gold medal around my neck and a league title on my CV in the Scottish League, so I am happy for that,” concluded an elated Van Wyk.
SOURCED FROM THE SAFA WEBSITE.
