Olympic champion Caster Semenya is set to play football in 2020 after joining South African club JVW.
A two-time Olympic gold medallist in the 800 metres, Semenya could make her football debut next year.
JVW, who is owned by South Africa women’s captain Janine van Wyk, announced the signing of Semenya on Thursday.
Semenya will train with JVW but cannot make her debut in the SAFA Sasol Women’s League until 2020 due to the transfer window being closed.
“I am grateful for this opportunity and I appreciate the love and support I already get from the team,” Semenya said in a statement.
“I am looking forward to this new journey, and hopefully I can contribute as much as I can to the club.”
Van Wyk, who recently left JVW for Danish club Fortuna Hjorring, welcomed the signing of 2012 and 2016 Olympic champion Semenya.
“I look forward to her working with coach Ciara [Picco] and our first team where I am sure she will sharpen up and get ready to play in 2020.
“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 is not the first athlete in recent times to try to kick-start a soccer career, with Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt securing a trial at Australian outfit Central Coast Mariners last year.
The South African athlete will not be able to defend her 800 metres title at the world championships later this month after the Swiss Federal Tribunal reversed a ruling that temporarily lifted testosterone regulations imposed on her.
This latest move suggests that Semenya could potentially be preparing for a career outside of track and field.
