Caster Semenya says she is "looking forward" to a "new journey" as part of a women's football team in South Africa.
The two-time 800m Olympic gold medallist is currently appealing against an IAAF decision which means she would have to take testosterone-suppressing drugs to compete.
The 28-year-old will not defend her 800m title at the World Championship in Doha later this month.
"I am grateful for this opportunity and I appreciate the love and support I already get from the team," Semenya said upon joining JVW FC which competes in South Africa's SASOL League.
Happy to announce my signing with @jvwgirlsfootball for 2020 season. Looking forward to this journey. 🐍 pic.twitter.com/9Urd7aQ3NF
— Caster Semenya (@caster800m) September 6, 2019
The club which Semenya joins was formed by South African women's captain, Janine van Wyk. Semenya will not be allowed play for the team until 2020 as the transfer window has closed.
"I am absolutely honoured 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," said Van Wyk regarding Semenya's signing,
"I welcomed her at her first training [session] with the team on Tuesday and was impressed to see that she definitely has all the fundamentals."
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
