Inspiring the Future of Women’s Football in South Africa

It was a profound privilege to meet two titans of South African women’s football in Cape Town today. Jeanine van Wyk, the esteemed ex-captain of Banyana Banyana, and Lauren Duncan, a pivotal figure in the sport’s administration. This encounter offered a unique opportunity to delve into their remarkable careers and gain firsthand insight into the challenges and triumphs within the landscape of women’s football in South Africa.

Jeanine van Wyk stands as a legendary figure, not only in South African football but across the African continent. Her career is marked by an unparalleled dedication to the game, culminating in her role as the former captain of the South African women’s national team, Banyana Banyana. Van Wyk holds the distinction of being the most-capped international player among African women’s national teams, with an astonishing record of over 185 appearances.

Her leadership guided Banyana Banyana to their historic first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory in 2022, a testament to her enduring influence and skill. Beyond her playing career, Jeanine’s commitment to development is evident in her co-founding of the JVW Football Program in 2012. This initiative has been instrumental in nurturing young female talent, administrators, and coaches, showcasing her holistic vision for the sport’s growth.

Alongside Van Wyk, Lauren Duncan has carved out an equally significant, albeit often behind-the-scenes, career as a Women’s Football Strategist. Since 2015, Duncan has served as an appointed administrator for the South African Women’s National football teams, playing a crucial role as Team Manager for Banyana Banyana during their WAFCON triumph in 2022 and their appearances in the 2019 and 2023 Women’s World Cups. Her tireless efforts in off-field preparation and administration have earned her the moniker of Banyana Banyana’s “off-the-field hero,” underscoring her vital contribution to the team’s successes. As a co-founder of JVW Girls Football with Jeanine van Wyk, Lauren shares an unwavering passion for developing young female players and ensuring the robust support structures necessary for their advancement.

The conversation with Jeanine and Lauren quickly illuminated the significant hurdles faced by those at the forefront of women’s football development. As owner-operators of their club in the Hollywoodbets Super League, they articulated the stark reality of operating with limited support. We compared notes on the persistent challenges, particularly the lack of systemic support available to clubs like theirs. This deficiency places an immense burden on individuals who, driven by passion, often find themselves shouldering responsibilities that extend far beyond the typical scope of club management.

Their dedication to the development of young girls in football, while inspiring, often lacks the robust backing of established footballing structures. They highlighted how they are frequently left to their own devices, having to overcome financial burdens exacerbated by an underdeveloped transfer regime that pales in comparison to men’s football.

This absence of a mature transfer market not only limits revenue streams for clubs but also hinders player mobility and valuation, further impeding the professionalisation of the sport.

Moreover, the advancement of women’s football is significantly hampered by a sorely lacking exposure. Despite the immense talent and dedication within the sport, it struggles to gain the media attention and public recognition it deserves. Increased visibility is crucial for attracting sponsorships, drawing in larger fan bases, and ultimately creating a more sustainable ecosystem for female players and clubs.

The insights shared by Jeanine and Lauren underscored a critical message –  we all need to do more to support the future of women’s football. Their experiences are a powerful reminder that while individual passion is a driving force, systemic changes and collective effort are essential for true progress.

For Cape Town Spurs F.C., the journey into girls’ and women’s football has seen delays. However, this meeting served as a profound source of inspiration. The unwavering commitment and resilience demonstrated by Jeanine and Lauren will undoubtedly “spur” us on. We are now more determined than ever to accelerate our plans and soon enter into this exciting development of female players. Learning from dedicated individuals like Jeanine van Wyk and Lauren Duncan, who truly live and breathe the game, we aim to contribute meaningfully to building a stronger, more recognised, and more equitable future for women’s football in South Africa.