Banyana keeper on FIFA WC expectations

In 2019, Banyana Banyana made their FIFA Women™s World Cup debut and came back home with big lessons following defeats against Spain, China and Germany.

They will return to the global stage next year as African champions after clinching the continental title in Morocco at the weekend and goalkeeper Kaylin Swart says they might have a target on their backs.

œI think there™s going to be a lot of expectations; I know a lot of nations are seeing us and they seeing the work that we are doing. They can see that we are nation to be reckoned with.

œYou know football in South Africa is rising by the minute and everyone seeing us now I think it™s gonna be a lot of pressure to perform at the World Cup but I think if we just keeping working hard-just keep putting the work in and I think if we can just get 1% better every day I don™t think we will have a problem going to Australia, New Zealand next year, trying to get to the group stages or even further-I mean why not?-we dreaming now said Swart.

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Despite her experience and having been the No.1 goalkeeper before, Swart did not get any game time in Morocco, with Andile Dlamini preferred between the sticks.

Swart says it was her role to back her teammate, who picked up the WAFCON Golden Glove after the final.

œLook they don™t say the goalkeeping department is a unit for nothing, we™ve work hard leading up to the tournament, I think we™ve done enough to solidify our bond and anything¦yours is to stay ready, you gotta stay ready.

œBut I mean I knew coming in what my role was going to be and I think it was gonna be the best teammate I could be for everyone, for goalkeeping department but yah I mean it was bigger than me, it was more about the team and I will always be the support of players and it shows how much we™ve grown she concluded.

The 27-year-old shot stopper also paid a glowing compliment to the Banyana rearguard for having been stingy in conceding just three goals en route to winning the final.

By: Mazola Molefe