Swart hopes Nigeria heroics can win over Banyana Banyana critics

Casablanca Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Kaylin Swart believes her outstanding performance in Thursday’s 2-1 victory over Nigeria could change the opinions of those who have criticised her in the past.

The South Africans defeated their long-standing rivals at Casablanca’s Moulay Rachid Stadium to claim one of CAF’s two intercontinental playoff places. Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane scored for Banyana Banyana, while Swart produced a series of important saves to help secure victory and was named player of the match.

Swart has previously faced harsh criticism from sections of the Banyana Banyana support, but suggested her display against the Super Falcons might persuade some doubters to reassess her ability.

“I know that the people who support me, support me for real. If this is the game that’s going to make everyone see who I really am, so be it. This is a step in the right direction,” Swart said.

The goalkeeper also acknowledged that positive performances do not always prevent players from being judged by supporters. She said the backing of her team-mates and the technical staff remained more important than outside opinion.

“Sometimes you have to reflect and see what you didn’t do well, but whether I do good or bad, people will always talk. I just need to focus on myself.

“Having the backing of my teammates and the technical team is all I need, and I have it,” Swart stated.

Swart described the match as one of her best performances in a Banyana Banyana shirt, while also stressing the concentration required to withstand Nigeria’s challenge for the full 90 minutes.

“I am overwhelmed. This is such a battle… we had to stay focused for literally 90 minutes and this performance will be up there [among her best at Banyana],” Swart said.

The victory keeps South Africa’s hopes of reaching next year’s World Cup in Brazil alive, although Banyana Banyana still face a lengthy and complicated route through the qualification playoffs.

The playoffs will be played in two stages. The first phase takes place in November and December, with six teams competing for two places. The field will include two teams from Africa, two from Asia, one from Oceania and one from South America.

The two teams that progress from that stage will then join four sides who have received byes in the second phase in February next year. Those six teams will compete for three final places at the World Cup, with the additional participants coming from Concacaf, Europe and South America. Two of the four byes go to Concacaf, one to Europe and one to South America.

For now, however, the focus is on the result against Nigeria and the contribution of Swart, whose saves proved decisive in a tightly contested match. Her performance has given Banyana Banyana a crucial step towards the World Cup and may also provide a response to the criticism she has faced.

• Ndebele is in Morocco courtesy of Banyana Banyana’s sponsor, Sasol.