Janine van Wyk and Julia Molin. Picture: Instagram
Former Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk has added another exciting chapter to her life by announcing the upcoming arrival of a baby with her Swedish soccer player partner, Julia Molin.
The couple, who have shared their professional journey across several clubs, including Glasgow City and JVW FC, took to Instagram to share the heart-warming news.
"Our pack is growing with a tiny human. Coming in 2025," they posted on their respective social media accounts.
Van Wyk, a celebrated figure in soccer holds the record as the highest-capped player in Africa.
After an illustrious career, she retired from professional football in 2023.
The South African icon also founded JVW FC, affectionately known as the Blue Diamonds, a club that carries her initials and her passion for the sport.
After retiring, she was appointed as the assistant coach of JVW FC in the Hollywoodbets Super League.
The couple’s love story is believed to have kicked off in 2021 when van Wyk signed with Glasgow City, where Julia Molin was also playing.
Their professional paths continued to intertwine as Molin joined JVW FC in 2023, solidifying both their personal and professional partnership. The duo went "Instagram official" a year later, sharing their relationship with fans and followers.
Van Wyk has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in sports, openly sharing her journey as a gay athlete. In a candid interview with “The Guardian”, she reflected on her experience of coming out at 16.
"I openly came out to my friends and family even though there were some obstacles and challenges with my family, but homophobia has had a rapid decline in society, which is really good.
“I came out because I automatically knew that’s who I wanted to be, and I was never afraid. It’s not the same for everyone, but I hope one day it can be," she said.
While she acknowledges her fortunate journey, she is aware of the struggles many LGBTQ+ athletes face.