Coach Mitchell Stevens set for JVW exit

Stevens, who started as a video analyst and was promoted to senior coach in 2022, leaves the Bedfordview outfit at fifth place on the log – 10 points behind University of Johannesburg in the current Hollywoodbets Super League campaign.

Stevens believes the club’s financial challenges might be the reason behind his lay off. 

“Regarding my contract, yes, it’s not being renewed, so I won’t be involved next year at all. Financially there are a lot of restraints in women’s football and a lot of challenges,” Stevens tells SABC Sport.

“Any money coming in needs to be guided towards the people that need to make a living off it. Again, this is my understanding, not what I know, just what I think.”

He also suggests the club owner and former Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk seems to be at a point where she is ready to take over as the club’s head coach.

“I think it’s just a case of Janine wanting to take the responsibility again, having been back in the country now for a year and half, and to lead the club again,” he adds.

“We will see that much next season, with Janine being at the helm of everything and taking responsibility and driving the club forward. Which I fully understand, it is her club.”

The 59-year-old has helped JWV to finish in the top five in the last three seasons, and believes he leaves the club in a better state.

“I think all in all it has been a good tenureship. A coach is recognised by three things – the style of play, which is recognisable and efficient, which was a definite tick and the management was happy; secondly growth of individuals, including the youth; and lastly results.

“I got excited when I first got involved. I enjoyed seeing growth from the Academy straight to the first team,” he concluded.

READ: Sundowns will dominate HWBSL because of support - Mitchell Stevens