Van Wyk’s tattoos set to inspire Banyana
by Clyde Tlou 20 February 2012, 21:12
Banyana Banyana’s 2012 Olympics preparations have been going well so far with the team holding a training camp in Brazil and they have lined up a friendly against Brazil’s Selecao do Marinha.
Coach Joseph Mkhonza’s charges will be looking to avenge for the narrow 3-2 by the 2010 World Military Games champions in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday ).
Taking time off after an energy sapping training sessions during their camp in South Africa, defensive stalwart Janine van Wyk revealed how her new tattoos have inspired her play.
“It has always been my dream to compete at the Olympics and I am proud to have the Olympic rings on my right arm. There are also words around my arm - Passion, Vision, Believe, Patience and Pride, these are cornerstones around which my play is built,” said van Wyk,.
The no nonsense defender who boast of remarkable record of 7 goals in her 70 matches for Banyana added that the team will not just representing South Africa in London but Africa as a whole.
“Also, I have added the African continent, because I won’t only be representing South Africa at the Olympics but indeed carrying the hopes of Africa. There are two swallows tattooed on my arm as well and these symbolise family, peace and love.”
Van Wyk described Wednesday’s re-match as a superb opportunity for Banyana Banyana to set the record straight.
“We played with pride and matched the opposition particularly in the second half. It’s a good thing that we have the South American tour prior to our team’s participation at the Cyprus Women’s Cup later this month as I believe we will be in a better shape physically and our play will have improved which should help us,” she added.
South Africa’s head coach Joseph Mkhonza is expected to field most of the players who played in the second half during Banyana Banyana’s loss to Selecao do Marinha on Saturday.
