Jessica Wade bids farewell to outgoing JVW coach Janine van Wyk

This was after van Wyk led the team for the last time as head coach in their 3-0 win over First Touch ladies at AW Muller Stadium on Saturday. 

The 38-year-old mentor will be starting a new journey with Swedish club Kristianstads DFF as assistant coach next season.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Wade says she is grateful for van Wyk’s guidance - pushing her to be a better player

“Janine, I don’t know where to start. All I can say is thank you. Your standards, guidance, humility, and the way you pushed us to be better every day have shaped me as both a player and a person. You came in with a plan and the belief that we would achieve it, and I truly think we did. You gave me all the tools to grow as a player and created an environment where I formed friendships that will last a lifetime.

“I couldn’t be more grateful for everything you’ve taught me, and I’ll carry those lessons forward. I’m really going to miss our little family, but thank you for giving me something so special to miss,” said Wade.

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JVW secured second place on the log, with 69 points after 30 matches in van Wyk’s first stint as head coach of the club. Wade credits her for the team’s transformation in their 2025 campaign.

“In one word I’d say it was “transformative”. It’s been a season of growth, unity, and hard work. Janine challenged us, supported us, and brought out a level of belief and discipline that shaped our performances on and off the field. Her level of player management and investment in the individuals she’s working with is unlike anything I’ve experienced. She really took the time to get to know us all and did everything she could to bring out the best in us."

With JVW looking to maintain their good form going into the new season - Wade believes that it will be a difficult process to find van Wyk’s successor.