Kaylin Swart hopes Nigeria heroics can silence Banyana Banyana critics

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

The goalkeeper produced a series of important saves as South Africa defeated their long-standing rivals at Casablanca’s Moulay Rachid Stadium on Thursday. The result secured Banyana Banyana one of Africa’s two places in the intercontinental play-offs for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane scored for South Africa, while Swart’s contribution earned her the player of the match award.

Swart has previously faced strong criticism from sections of the Banyana Banyana support, but suggested her display against the Super Falcons might encourage those supporters to reassess their opinion of her.

“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 performances alone would not necessarily prevent fans from judging her harshly. Instead, she said the backing of her team-mates and the technical staff remained the most important source of support.

“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 the finest performances of her Banyana Banyana career, although she admitted the intensity of the contest had tested South Africa throughout.

“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 over Nigeria has moved South Africa a step closer to the World Cup, but their route to the tournament remains lengthy and complicated.

The intercontinental play-offs will take place in two stages. The first phase is scheduled for November and December, when six teams will compete for two places. The group will include two sides from Africa, two from Asia, one from Oceania and one from South America.

The two successful teams from that stage will then join four nations who have received byes in the second phase in February next year. Those four teams will comprise two from Concacaf, one from Europe and one from South America.

Seven teams will therefore compete in the second phase for three final World Cup places.

For now, Swart and Banyana Banyana can celebrate a significant victory against Nigeria, but their hopes of reaching Brazil will depend on navigating both remaining stages of the play-offs.

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