JVW to use clash against Mamelodi Sundowns as team assessment

JVW to use clash against Mamelodi Sundowns as team assessment

JVW assistant coach Janine van Wyk says facing Mamelodi Sundowns this afternoon will be important to assess the level of their team’s performance in the current campaign.

The Bedfordview-based side have not lost a match in their four outings in the Hollywoodbets Super League this season, with two wins and two draws – leaving them in ninth place on the log with 17 points, and just 2 points ahead of TUT Matsatsantsa.

Speaking with SABC Sport, Van Wyk says they are aware they will be up against a team that has set the bar high in women’s football, with a good result against them set to channel her team in the right direction.

"The one thing that we're looking forward to against Sundowns is just competing against one of the best teams in Africa – I think it would really give us a great indication of the level we are at and what we, as a team, have been building towards," said the former Banyana Banyana captain.

"I think Sundowns have set the bar high in terms of women's football on the continent, and any team that plays them is obviously a team that looks to compete as best as they can, and get a good result against one of the best teams.

"So, for us, it's an exciting challenge ahead and we're looking forward to the match."

With The Brazilians boasting an incredible record of 24 goals scored in their last four matches, Van Wyk is confident goalkeeper Kaylin Swart has the capabilities to save the day.

"Kaylin is one of the top goalkeepers in the country, she's first-choice for the national team, and she's an individual with high standards for herself," added van Wyk.

"She's a great competitor, hates to lose, and a player that gives her everything on the field of play, so it's fantastic to have her in goals for us against a team like Sundowns.

"It gives us a lot of hope, knowing that we have a quality goalkeeper capable of saving a game for us, so having Kaylin there is important and we strongly believe she can win games for us, whether it's saving goals, but also with her quality distribution in counter-attacks."

The two sides clash at the UJ Soweto Campus on Saturday evening at 17:30.

READ: Agnes Nkosi believes sticking to game plan will be key against JVW