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Former Olympic 800 Olympic gold medallist, Caster Semenya has joined South Africa’s Premier league club side, JVW FC in a career switch that sees the world athletic champions join football in an unexpected move, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

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.

Caster Semenya✔@caster800m

“Happy to announce my signing with @jvwgirlsfootball for 2020 season. Looking forward to this journey,” he wrote on Twitter.

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.”

Semenya is following the footsteps of former world and Olympic champion, Usain Bolt who attempted to join football after his athletic career but was not successful.