Kaylin Swart earns Nigeria praise as South Africa reach World Cup play-offs

Kaylin Swart hopes her outstanding performance in South Africa’s 2-1 victory over Nigeria will silence the criticism she received during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and help restore confidence in Banyana Banyana.

South Africa defeated their long-standing rivals at Moulay Prince Rachid Stadium to reach the intercontinental World Cup play-offs. The result was secured by goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane, although Nigeria’s Christy Ucheibe scored a late stoppage-time penalty to set up a tense finish.

Swart was central to the victory and was named Player of the Match after producing two important second-half saves. Her contribution was celebrated by her team-mates, who splashed water over the goalkeeper after the final whistle.

The performance was particularly significant for Swart after she came under heavy scrutiny during the WAFCON group stage and South Africa’s quarter-final defeat by Morocco. She was criticised for moving off her line and was held responsible by some observers for conceding goals in those matches.

The goalkeeper said she had responded to that criticism by examining her own performances and focusing on the support provided by those closest to her. She now hopes her display against the Super Falcons will persuade people to view her differently.

“I think sometimes you’ve got to reflect and see where I did well,” said Swart in the post-match mixed zone in Casablanca. “But whether I did good or bad, people are still going to talk. I just need to focus on myself.

“I think the backing of my teammates and technical team is all that I need. I know the people who back me, support me for real. If this was the game that made everyone see who I am, then so be it.”

South Africa’s route to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil remains difficult after they failed to qualify directly by finishing outside the top four at WAFCON. They will join Ghana in representing Africa in the next stage of the play-offs.

There, Banyana Banyana will compete with Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, Ecuador and Papua New Guinea for two places in the final round.

If they progress, South Africa will face further competition for one of three World Cup qualification places. The final round will feature two teams from Concacaf, one from UEFA and Venezuela, alongside the sides who advance from the earlier stage.

Despite the more demanding path, Swart believes South Africa can still reach the tournament and use their disappointment as motivation.

“I think sometimes you have to take 50 steps back to take five forward,” Swart said. “It’s not what we wanted. But you know the saying: that it’s not how you start, but how you finish. Yes, this is not the route towards qualifying for the World Cup, but if this is the route that we have to take, which will bring out the best in us, then we’ll take it.

“I am just so proud of the team. We showed so much character and unity that showed we can take things to the next round. Hopefully, we can continue with the journey.”

South Africa’s victory over Nigeria therefore offers more than progress in the qualification process. It also gives the squad renewed belief after a difficult WAFCON campaign and provides Swart with an opportunity to rebuild her reputation at international level.

Mihlali Baleka is covering WAFCON in Morocco for IOL, courtesy of Banyana Banyana’s premier sponsor, Sasol.