Former Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk and her partner, retired Swedish footballer Julia Molin, are eagerly preparing to welcome their first child.
The couple announced their pregnancy in January, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their lives.
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‘The real adventure begins when our little one arrives’
In an exclusive interview, Africa’s most-capped footballer reflected on the journey to parenthood and the whirlwind of emotions that come with it.
“Julia and I are incredibly excited about this new chapter. It’s a mix of emotions—joy, anticipation, and a bit of nervousness—but overall, we feel truly blessed,” Janine shared.
Like any major life change, the road to this moment has required planning, learning, and emotional preparation.
“We’re embracing every step, knowing that the real adventure begins once our little one arrives!”
Values to pass down
Janine and Julia are committed to instilling strong values in their child, with family, kindness, and resilience at the heart of their parenting philosophy.
“These values define who we are. We want to lead by example—showing love, respect, and the importance of chasing dreams, no matter the obstacles.”
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A gender reveal with a football twist
In true sporting style, the couple revealed they are expecting a baby boy through a creative gender reveal video. Janine kicked a mini football that burst into a cloud of blue powder, while their loved ones cheered in celebration.
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A year of transformation
For Janine, 2024 has been a year of significant change. Transitioning away from professional football in December 2023 was a major shift, but the most difficult challenge came with the passing of her mother.
“Losing my mother was the toughest setback. She was my pillar of strength and always reminded me to move forward with a positive mindset, no matter what obstacles came my way,” she wrote on Instagram.
Despite the hardships, she remains grateful for the lessons, support, and new opportunities that have come her way.
“I’ve met incredible people who have helped me grow and evolve in this new phase of my journey. I’m ready to face whatever lies ahead with resilience and gratitude.”
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Featured Image: Right: Getty | Left: Instagram @janinevanwyk5
