Caster Semenya is Taking up Professional Soccer
The two-time Olympic gold medalist has joined the Gauteng-based JVW Football Club.
South African athlete and two-time 800m Olympic gold medalist, Caster Semenya, is beginning a new chapter in her life. After her woes with the IAAF and both the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) and Swiss Federal Court having ultimately ruled that she cannot compete in the 800m without using testosterone-regulating medication, it seems Semenya is setting out on a new course altogether. The South African reports that Semenya has joined the Gauteng-based JVW Football Club. The club is owned by Janine van Wyk, the captain of South Africa's national women's soccer team, Banyana Banyana.
Speaking about Semenya joining JVW, van Wyk said that, "I am extremely elated to have such an iconic athlete join my football club. I am absolutely honored that out of all the other women's clubs around the world, she has chosen JVW as the club where she would like to start showcasing her football skills." She added that, "Although I won't be here for the rest of the year, as I have just signed with Fortuna Hjorring, I have no doubt that Caster will fit right in, and enjoy her time at the club."
Semenya described her new journey saying, "I am grateful for this opportunity and I appreciate the love and support I already get from the team. I am looking forward to this new journey, and hopefully I can contribute as much as I can to the club." Semenya has long talked about her passion for football and so it is unsurprising that her next move is to play professionally. She is set to make her debut in the SAFA Sasol League next year and is currently preparing with her new team for the next season.