How Janine Van Wyk’s impact opened doors for SA footballers at Scottish side

FC Fleury 91 frontwoman Ode Fulutudilu has opened up how Banyana Banyana co-captain Janine van Wyk has opened the doors for South African female footballers at Glasgow City.

Fulutudilu believes that the impact that Van Wyk showed during her stay at the Scottish side is what has made Glasgow fall in love with South African players in recent years.

The 32-year-old forward herself is among a few players to have graced Scottish football playing for Glasgow. 

Fulutudilu cut ties with the club in June last year, having joined them in 2021 from Finnish side Aland United. 

Van Wyk was the first South African player to sign for Scottish Women’s Premier League [SWPL] back in July 2020.

However, in 2021, Van Wyk returned back home to her club JVW Ladies till she returned to Europe in September 2022 to join Greece women’s football side, Ergotoris.

Ever since Glasgow signed Van Wyk and Fulutudilu, the club went on to acquire the services of former JVW Academy midfielder Aliyaah Allie in September last year. 

And now, they have completed the acquisition of Banyana star Linda Motlhalo, who had parted ways with Swedish side Djurgården IF.

ODE FULUTUDILU ON JANINE VAN WYK’S IMPACT AT GLASGOW CITY

“I think what Janine showed Glasgow City is what has made the club to monitor South African footballers since she was the first player to be signed by the team from our country,” Fulutudilu told FARPost.

“I guess she showed that we have so much talent in South Africa and we can compete among the best.

“And because of that Glasgow City have been more open to look at other South Africans that do have the experience of playing in Europe and talented enough to play for the team.

“Glasgow is a very extremely talented team that is not easy just to walk in and play for them.”

ODE FULUTUDILU HAPPY TO SEE GLASGOW CITY CONTINUING SIGNING SA PLAYERS

“So, when they see a South African player that has the backbone of Janine and hopefully myself after that who were there as we competed and gave our best,” she added.

“That gave the club an idea that South Africa has some real talents that deserves to be given more chances and I’m glad they have continued doing that.”

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