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JVW F.C.
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| Active departments of JVW | ||
|---|---|---|
| Football | Football Academy | |
Key Information
JVW F.C. is a women's professional soccer club based in Bedfordview, Gauteng. Founded and owned by Janine van Wyk and Lauren Duncan the club competes in the SAFA Women's League, the top tier women's football league in South Africa,
History
[edit]Establishment
[edit]JVW FC was formed in 2012 by Janine van Wyk, which aimed to identify, develop, improve and expose female football players. The club consisted of a mere 13 players when formed and has gradually grown over the years to 98 players in the club setup.[1]
Sasol League, 2013–2019
[edit]In 2016, JVW won the Gauteng Sasol League and finished in second place at their Debut National Championship after losing 1–0 to Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies.[citation needed] In 2019 JVW won the Gauteng Sasol League for a second time and went on to be crowned Champions at the National Championship, led by captain Nompumelelo Nyandeni.[citation needed] In the same year, the club signed Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya.[2]
SA Women's National league 2021–present
[edit]In 2019 the first team recorded their best season to date, where they won the 2019 Gauteng Sasol League and went on to be crowned Champions at the 2019 Sasol League Playoff Finals, securing promotion into the South African Football Association Women's National League which was launched in 2019, becoming the first team to ever gain promotion into this top flight league. JVW FC finished the 2023 season in 3rd place, their best finish since their promotion to the top division.[3]
Players
[edit]Current First Team Squad
[edit]- As of 28 January 2024[4]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Notable players
[edit]FIFA World Cup participants
[edit]List of players that were called up for a FIFA Women's World Cup while playing for the club. In brackets, the tournament played:
Management
[edit]Current Coaching staff
[edit]- As of 6 January 2025
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| First team head coach | |
| First team assistant coach | Janine van Wyk |
| First team goalkeeper Coach | Bafana Nhlapo |
| Reserve team head coach | Ronald Molepo |
| Rubies team head coach | Djion Hungwe |
| U 16 head coach | Samuel Dube |
| U14 head coach | Cebile Maseko |
| Developing diamonds head coach | Nicola Schulz |
Source:[5]
Management Staff
[edit]As of 6 January 2025
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| JVW FC Co-Founder | Janine van Wyk |
| JVW FC Co-Founder | Lauren Duncan |
| Administrator | Cebile Maseko |
| Head of operations | Talia Swartbooi |
Source:[5]
JVW Girls Football Development
[edit]Reserve Team
[edit]JVW Reserve team also known as Sasol Sapphires consist of young players and they compete in Gauteng Sasol League.
Rubies Team
[edit]Regional Team also known as Regional Rubies this team is the same as reserve team but this one compete in Easterns LFA league. This team is made up of open team players and they coached by Djion Hungwe.
U/16 Team
[edit]JVW U/16 also known as Gems. This team of young girls they compete in Gauteng Development League, the team has done so well in the last few years competing with Mamelodi Sundowns U/16.
U/14 team
[edit]JVW U/14 also known as Gems. This team of young girls they compete in Gauteng Development League. They participated in the Iber Cup South Africa in 2024 and finished in 2nd place.
Development Team
[edit]This team is considered as a beginners group for girls between the age of 8 to 14 years old. A former JVW player, Nicola Schulz, was appointed as head coach. After suffering an ACL injury in 2019, she went on to pursue coaching career.
JVW Girls School League
[edit]JVW Girls School League is a youth development league for schools located around Gauteng. The league has played a huge role in discovering young talent for (U/15, U/17 and older) youth national teams.
Sponsors
[edit]Honours
[edit]- Sasol League National Championship:[6] 2019
- Gauteng Sasol Women's League: 2016, 2019
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Home". JVW Football Club. Retrieved 13 June 2019.
- ^ "Caster Semenya joins South African football team JVW". 6 September 2019. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ "League - Hollywoodbets Super League HBSL". inqaku.com. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ "JVW Players Archive". JVW. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ a b "JVW Technical Team". JVW. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ Abrahams, Miguel (7 January 2020). "JVW crowned 2019 Sasol League National Champions". Bedfordview Edenvale News. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
JVW F.C.
View on GrokipediaHistory
Founding and establishment
JVW F.C. was founded in 2012 by Janine van Wyk, the former captain of South Africa's national women's team Banyana Banyana, and Lauren Duncan, a football administrator, as a professional women's soccer club based in Bedfordview, Gauteng.[6][1][7] The initiative stemmed from van Wyk's vision to address the lack of opportunities for female players in South Africa, building on her earlier establishment of the JVW Girls Schools League that same year to promote grassroots participation.[8] From its inception, the club emphasized professionalizing women's football through structured player development, commercialization, and innovation, aiming to create a sustainable platform for aspiring athletes.[6][9] Van Wyk served as co-owner, initial head coach, and player-coach, directly overseeing training and matches to instill discipline and skill-building from the outset.[7] The team began modestly with just 14 players but quickly expanded, reflecting the club's commitment to nurturing talent across age groups and levels.[3] By 2024, JVW F.C. had grown to encompass over 120 players in its junior and senior structures, underscoring its role in advancing women's football in South Africa through targeted development programs and professional environments.[1] This early emphasis on innovation, such as integrating commercial partnerships and specialized coaching, laid the foundation for the club's transition into competitive leagues.[9]Sasol League participation
JVW F.C. entered the Gauteng stream of the Sasol League, South Africa's premier women's amateur football competition, in 2013, marking the club's debut in organized senior-level play following its founding the previous year.[10] The team competed in a challenging provincial division that included established sides like Palace Super Falcons and Mamelodi Sundowns, gradually building experience through consistent participation in the regional fixtures.[11] The club's first major breakthrough came in 2016, when JVW clinched the Gauteng Sasol League title by defeating Tuks F.C. 6-0 in the provincial playoff final at Germiston Stadium, securing qualification for the national championships in Mossel Bay.[11] At the national playoffs, JVW advanced to the final but fell 1-0 to Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies, finishing as runners-up in a debut appearance that highlighted the team's rapid progress despite the steep competition.[12] This achievement underscored JVW's growth from a novice entrant to a provincial powerhouse, though the journey involved overcoming tough draws and maintaining an undefeated home record amid limited resources typical of amateur setups.[13] By 2019, JVW had solidified its status in the Sasol League, reclaiming the Gauteng title and advancing to the national championships under captain Nompumelelo Nyandeni, a former Banyana Banyana star whose leadership was pivotal in the campaign.[14] In the final at Tsakane Stadium, JVW defeated Ma-Indies F.C. 2-0 with first-half goals from Gabriel Salgado and Nicole Irwin, earning the national championship, R200,000 in prize money, and promotion to the semi-professional SAFA Women's National League for 2020.[15] That year also saw the high-profile signing of Olympic champion Caster Semenya, who joined as a trainee ahead of a planned 2020 debut, bolstering the squad alongside players like Nyandeni and adding visibility during the club's transition from amateur to semi-professional structures.[16] Throughout the 2013–2019 period, JVW navigated challenges inherent to the amateur Sasol League, including intense regional rivalries, logistical hurdles for away games, and the need to develop talent without full-time professional support, fostering a resilient team culture that propelled the club's evolution into a competitive force.[13] This era represented a critical growth phase, with strategic recruitment and youth integration laying the foundation for higher-level success while emphasizing discipline and community-driven development.[17]Promotion to Hollywoodbets Super League
JVW F.C. earned promotion to the Hollywoodbets Super League in 2019 by winning the SAFA Gauteng Sasol League and subsequently claiming the national Sasol League championship, marking them as the first team to achieve this feat in the women's top flight.[18][19] Their debut season came in 2021, following the rebranding of the SAFA Women's League to the Hollywoodbets Super League for sponsorship reasons, where the club entered as newcomers to professional competition.[20][21] The club's early professional seasons showed steady progress, with their best performance arriving in 2023 when they finished third in the league standings, accumulating 63 points from 30 matches and establishing a strong competitive presence.[18] In 2024, JVW placed fifth with 55 points over 30 matches, a dip from the prior year but still reflective of mid-table solidity amid a competitive field.[18][22] Entering the 2025 season, JVW has maintained impressive form, particularly at home, remaining unbeaten in 12 matches with nine wins and three draws as of November 8, 2025, including a dominant 5-1 victory over the University of Cape Town on November 8.[23][24] The team is scheduled to face City Lads F.C. on November 16, 2025, as part of their ongoing campaign to build on recent successes.[25] Attaining professional status has significantly boosted JVW's growth, elevating their visibility within South African women's football and facilitating enhanced player recruitment from across the country.[18] This transition has allowed the club to attract talent aimed at national team contributions and continental aspirations, such as competing in the CAF Women's Champions League.[18] For the 2025 season, squad adjustments included the retirements of veterans Julia Molin and Alochia Lelaka, alongside new signings like Puleng Moremi from Royal AM and returns of Erin Herz from TS Galaxy and Tiisang Leseyane from TUKS, complemented by youth promotions of Bonolo Mokoma and Reitumetse Mosoue.[26][4]Club identity
Home ground and facilities
JVW F.C. plays its home matches at the UJ Soweto Stadium, situated on the University of Johannesburg's Soweto Campus in Soweto, Johannesburg. The club adopted this venue upon its entry into the Hollywoodbets Super League in 2020, utilizing the stadium's soccer fields for professional fixtures.[27][28] The stadium forms part of the university's broader sports infrastructure, which encompasses three soccer fields shared with UJ's athletic programs and external users through the institution's community access policy.[29][30] Training operations are centered in Bedfordview, Gauteng, at the Jeppe Quondam Sports Club, where the club relocated in November 2020 to establish a dedicated female football environment. This site includes multiple pitches supporting daily sessions for the senior team and youth academy.[31][32] These facilities extend beyond team activities to community engagement, such as hosting SAFA-accredited referee courses in 2022 to promote women's football development in the region.[33]Colours, kit, and nickname
JVW F.C.'s primary colours are blue and white, which form the foundation of the club's visual identity and are prominently featured in its kits and branding. The nickname "The Blue Diamonds" derives from the ownership's vision—led by co-founders Janine van Wyk and Lauren Duncan—and symbolizes the team's resilience and strength in women's football.[34] The club's kit history has evolved significantly since its early days in the Sasol League, where simpler designs were used to establish the team on a grassroots level. A notable milestone came with the launch of the 2024/25 Bravery Blue Home Kit, developed in partnership with South African supplier Motion to professionalize women's football apparel through high-quality, bespoke craftsmanship. This home kit, in a striking "Bravery Blue" shade, debuted on 20 July 2024 during a match against City Lads FC, while the away kit, named "Courageous Carbonados," introduces a darker contrast for versatility.[34] The JVW F.C. logo and overall branding emphasize women's empowerment, inclusion, diversity, and innovation, aligning with the club's mission to elevate female athletes in South Africa. These elements are integrated into kit designs and promotional materials to foster a sense of unity and professionalism. As of 2025, official merchandise, including replica jerseys priced at R599.00, is available through the JVW FC online store and select partners, allowing fans to support the Blue Diamonds while accessing branded apparel that reflects the club's identity.[35]Current team
First-team squad
As of November 2025, JVW F.C.'s first-team squad consists of approximately 28 players, predominantly South African nationals, reflecting the club's focus on local talent development within the Hollywoodbets Super League. The roster features a blend of experienced veterans and emerging young players, with two goalkeepers providing depth in defense and attack to support a balanced formation.[36] The squad underwent significant changes ahead of the 2025 season, including the retirement of veteran defender Julia Molin and midfielder Alochia Lelaka, who stepped away from top-level football after contributing to the club's early successes. This created opportunities for an influx of new talent, strengthening the team's competitiveness.[26]| No. | Position | Player | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GK | Kaylin Swart | 30 |
| - | GK | Casey Gordon | 17 |
| No. | Position | Player | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | DF | Taylor Berkovic | 20 |
| 7 | DF | Nomathemba Ntsibande | 38 |
| 8 | DF | Tiisang Leseyane | 20 |
| 12 | DF | Nomathansanqa Sikweza | 28 |
| 13 | DF | Boitumelo Rasehlo | 26 |
| 17 | DF | Talia Swartbooi | 28 |
| 30 | DF | Puleng Moremi | 27 |
| 100 | DF | Erin Herz | 27 |
| - | DF | Boitumelo Mogolola | 20 |
| No. | Position | Player | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | MF | Robyn Moodaly | 30 |
| 22 | MF | Jessica Wade | 21 |
| 28 | MF | Reitumetse Mosuoe | 20 |
| 35 | MF | Bonolo Mokoma | 17 |
| 44 | MF | Jabulile Mazibuko | 31 |
| 47 | MF | Julia Goncalves | 17 |
| No. | Position | Player | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | FW | Amanda Mthandi | 28 |
| 6 | FW | Bongiwe Thusi | 33 |
| 9 | FW | Gabriela Salgado | 26 |
| 15 | FW | Nokwazi Mnomiya | 27 |
| 18 | FW | Nompumelelo Nyandeni | 37 |
| 19 | FW | Keolebogile Putu | 25 |
| 21 | FW | Aliyaah Allie | 20 |
| 23 | FW | Tanna Hollis | 19 |
| 20 | FW | Thorisho Mphelo | 16 |
| - | FW | Katlego Mohale | 16 |
Coaching and management staff
The coaching staff of JVW F.C. underwent a significant transition in late 2024 and early 2025, with the departure of long-serving head coach Mitch Stevens after a 2.5-year tenure that saw the club stabilize in the Hollywoodbets Super League.[38] Stevens' exit was announced in December 2024, paving the way for former Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk to assume the role of head coach in January 2025.[2] Van Wyk, a co-founder of the club, brought her CAF B and UEFA B coaching qualifications to the position, emphasizing tactical discipline and player growth in her approach.[39] As of November 2025, van Wyk continues in her head coach role, with recent confirmation that she will maintain leadership remotely starting in 2026 amid a new assistant coaching position at Sweden's Kristianstads DFF.[40] Supporting her are assistant coach Alixia Cassar, who was appointed alongside van Wyk to handle day-to-day training sessions, and Bafana Nhlapo, serving as both assistant coach and goalkeeper coach to bolster defensive strategies.[2] These appointments, updated in January 2025, reflect the club's commitment to a blended staff of experienced tacticians and specialized role experts.[41] The management structure centers on co-ownership by Janine van Wyk and Lauren Duncan, both founders since the club's establishment in 2012, who oversee strategic direction with a strong emphasis on professional development for staff and players alike. Duncan, also the Banyana Banyana team manager, contributes to administrative and developmental oversight, while Talia Swartbooi serves as head of operations to manage logistics and support roles.[41] This setup ensures a professional environment focused on long-term growth, as evidenced by the integration of mental coaching through Lee Anne Redding and media support via Molemo Mashigo.[41]| Role | Name | Appointment Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | Janine van Wyk | Appointed January 2025; remote from 2026 |
| Assistant Coach | Alixia Cassar | Appointed January 2025 |
| Goalkeeper Coach | Bafana Nhlapo | Appointed January 2025; dual assistant role |
| Co-Founder & Owner | Lauren Duncan | Ongoing since 2012 |
| Co-Founder & Owner | Janine van Wyk | Ongoing since 2012 |
| Head of Operations | Talia Swartbooi | Current as of 2025 |
