Out now Non-fiction · Karavan Press · 2026
185: The Janine van Wyk Story
As told to Firdose Moonda. Her first book.
From kicking a ball in the backyard with her cousins, to being the only girl in a boys' team, Janine van Wyk rose to become the most-capped footballer in Africa and is among the most decorated players in the global game. This book charts her journey alongside the growth of the women's game and the changing landscape of South African sport.
It follows her national-team campaigns across Africa, at the Olympics and at World Cups, her professional contracts abroad, co-owning a club, and the years of Covid-19.
This is not just a story about sport; it is a story about dreams, determination and a deep desire to be the best one can be.
- Published
- August 2026
- Publisher
- Karavan Press
- ISBN
- 978-1-0671781-4-7
- Distributor
- Booksite
Extracts, radio and reports
In the press
- News24 · 19 Aug 2026 · Extract Janine van Wyk's quest to become the most-capped footballer in Africa
- SABC Sport · 14 Aug 2026 · Launch report Janine van Wyk hopes autobiography inspires next generation of footballers
- Daily Maverick · 8 Aug 2026 · Extract The day Janine van Wyk helped Banyana conquer mighty Nigeria
- TimesLIVE · 5 Aug 2026 · Extract 'I was a nervous wreck on the bench': Janine van Wyk recalls Banyana's 2022 Wafcon glory
- TimesLIVE · 28 Jul 2026 · Extract World Cup stories: when Janine van Wyk ate a piece of Parc des Princes' turf, and battled China
- 702 · The Midday Report with Mandy Wiener · Radio Book of the week: 185, The Janine van Wyk Story
The launch
Love Books, Johannesburg
11 August 2026. Janine van Wyk and Firdose in conversation with Leigh-Ann Paulick.
