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JVW head coach Janine van Wyk says the team promises to support their key player Gabriela Salgado throughout her recovery journey from a broken leg.
Salgado has been ruled out of action for the rest of the year after suffering a fractured left tibia during Banyana Banyana's 2-1 WAFCON semi-final defeat to Nigeria last Tuesday.
Speaking to SABC Sport, Van Wyk says the team has learned to build depth over the years to ensure players are available to fill in gaps whenever they are challenged with injuries.
"First of all, of course, we are devastated. Gaby is not just a key player for us, she’s a leader that many players look up to, but football teaches us to adapt," she said.
"Athletes at this level learn to overcome setbacks. At JVW, we have always believed in building depth and in developing players who are ready to step up when called upon.
"We will all rally around Gaby, support her recovery fully, and continue to fight for everything we’ve worked for this season so far, with her spirit driving us forward."
Banyana Banyana defender Gabriela Salgado surrounded by teammates in hospital in Morocco
The former Banyana skipper adds that the moment she saw the players surrounding Salgado after the incident, she sensed the magnitude of the injury and says it was a heartbreaking moment to take in.
"The player was actually pushed from behind and unfortunately fell onto Gaby. It was a freak accident, but the moment the players around her scattered and I saw her down, I just knew something serious had happened.
"I was holding my head in disbelief. Gaby had been doing so well in the tournament, gaining rhythm and confidence, and we were really counting on her for the rest of the season at JVW. It was a heartbreaking moment to witness,” added Van Wyk.
The 38-year-old mentor also praised the national team for their effort to wrap up this year’s WAFCON in fourth place with a Flair play accolade, and stated that they have enough talent to improve in the 2026 edition.
"I still have so much respect for that group. Competing at that level is never easy. Defending a title is never easy. This is a moment for reflection, but also a moment to refocus.
"South Africa still has incredible talent, and I believe in the bounce-back. Let this be fuel for what’s next, because our story on the continent is far from over," she concluded.
