Development, First team
JVW Blue Diamonds back to winning ways
May
A table-climbing triumph for the Blue Diamonds in the Hollywoodbets Super League, and well-rounded weekend with some winning results for the JVW youth teams.
Coming off a bitter defeat in their last fixture, the JVW Blue Diamonds knew they had to go to work against another University giant. During the 2022 season, the Bedfordview based team recorded a 3-2 win and a 3-2 defeat to UJ’s Orange Army.
Arriving to the fixture in their match day swag, the players were already in good spirits, and were rearing to go. Putu opened the scoring against her former team, netting her second goal in three matches. Salgado sent the ball cruising into the back of the net with a power strike, sending the home team into the break with a 2-goal lead.
There were many breathtaking attempts in the second half by Mthandi and Moodaly, but the closest of the final 45′ was Salgado trying to recreate her first half wonder, which saw her strike hit the corner of the upright.
15-year-old German Goalkeeper, Annelise Hindelang made her debut in the Top division, after being signed to the First team at the beginning of the season. Hindelang who joined JVW from Sasol league team Wits, took the place of her mentor in the 87th minute and closed the game out with a clean sheet.
With the first round of the Hollywoodbets Super League completed, the Blue Diamonds turn the season in fourth place with 30 points and 8 clean sheets, putting Swart at the top of the leaderboard.
JVW SAPPHIRES HAVE A HARD RUN AND RUBIES BACK IN ACTION THIS WEEKEND
The JVW Sapphires were up against Mathaithai for the second time this season, and headed into the Sasol League fixture with only 4 points. The young Sapphires have had a hard run in their debut season in the Gauteng based provincial league, although the players have taken huge strides after moving up a level. The Sasol League franchise was acquired from Soweto Fabulous before the start of the league, giving the JVW players an opportunity to develop in different structures of the women’s league in South Africa.
“It is so important for development, to have teams playing across different leagues. Although we can’t gain promotion as we already have a team in the top flight, it is crucial for the players to get a taste of the ‘reserve league’ as that is the step to the National League.” – JVW Co Founder Janine van Wyk
“This is a very young team, playing against experienced players and teams that have featured in this league for years, and although we may not be getting the results right away, we will reap the rewards in time to come.”
Our Regional Rubies enjoyed a weekend off, as the SAFA Ekurhuleni regional league office sanctioned a postponement. Coming off two losses, the much needed break gave the team time to reflect, learn and grow. The Rubies make up JVW’s U17 age group and although they look up to the Sapphires, their main objective is to progress to the first team. Sitting in seventh position they will be looking to get a win over fourth placed Diambars Sunward FC.
THE JVW BLUE DIAMONDS INSPIRE OUR GEMS, WHO CONTINUE SHINING
Hillcrest Campus at the TUKS High Performance Centre, hosted JVW FC’s Gems on Sunday in the newly launched Gauteng Women’s Development League. Serving as the central venue for the GWDL weekend’s fixtures, our U15 team secured the first win of the day with a 3-0 win over Panorama Ladies. Having the matches at localised venues, it allows the players and coaches to watch the other teams play and learn to take their knowledge to another level. Later in the day, the Gem’s come out even stronger than the first game – and recorded a 5-0 win over Lora Bokamoso.
Coach Claudia, spoke to Football Stage on the importance of the Gauteng Development League.
“It is great to see that women are being respected enough to have the same sort of format as the boys. We are finally getting somewhere. Additionally the girls are being recognised at a younger age, and are able to compete with girls their own age.”
Continuing the practice of healthy competition, Coach Nicola and the Developing Diamonds joined Saheti Junior Primary School this past Friday for an afternoon of football and fun.
Our youngest players who are part of the Developing Diamonds program, have been playing in weekly matches to aid their development. From as young as 5 years old, girls who are new to the sport, are able to learn the important fundamentals of the game, and look up to the pathway created for them.
Looking ahead to this weekend, the Blue Diamonds will be looking for an important three points against Thunderbirds after they drew 1-all against them in the first round.
JVW UPCOMING FIXTURES
Friday, 02 June 2023
JVW Developing Diamonds – Friendly | Details TBC
Saturday, 3 June 2023
JVW Sapphires – v Diepkloof Ladies | Jeppe Quondam | 12:00
JVW Rubies – v Diambars sunward FC | Sunward High School | 13:00
Sunday, 4 June 2023
Gems – v TUKS | Details TBC
JVW Blue Diamonds – v Thunderbirds | Sisa Dukashe Stadium | 13:00
