Kaylin Swart looking forward to first-ever COSAFA Awards

Swart earned a nomination in the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year category, alongside national teammate Andile Dlamini and Malawian goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo.

Banyana’s number shot-stopper says the COSAFA Awards ceremony is a good platform to reward the hard work she’s been putting in as a footballer.

"I'm pretty anxious [for] the COSAFA Awards, but I'm very excited to be a part of it. I think it's such a great occasion, and I'm just ready to be among the best in the COSAFA region," said Swart.

"And obviously being nominated is such a huge honour, that I'm just so thankful for. People get to see and witness all the hard work and talent that I have.

"And I just hope that I can continue to grow and be the best player I can be for my club and my country."

Swart also reflected on Banyana missing out on the Paris Olympics at hands of the Super Falcons of Nigeria, stating the national team now have to swiftly shift their attention to defending their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown.

"Missing out on the Olympics was such a hard pill to swallow. I think we've given so much to this campaign and getting to the last qualifier against Nigeria, I think we just fell short and it's so hard to think about it because obviously we all wanted to be in Paris this year," she added.

"So I think it's just been such a tough pill to swallow, but just knowing where we started and where we are now, obviously, yes, it's a failure but I think it's also a stepping stone for us to show we are capable of continuing and I think we will bounce back.

"Our focus will definitely now shift to WAFCON in the coming days, and we obviously don't know when it will be, but when the time comes, I think the team will be ready to conquer.

"Our focus and ambition is obviously to win the championship again – I think we all would love to go back-to-back WAFCON champions, so that's definitely the focus now."

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