Kaylin Swart speaks on rivalry with Andile Dlamini

Swart started in all Banyana’s matches at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand last year, which put her on the receiving end of widespread backlash from fans on social media.

Speaking to SABC Sport earlier today, Swart downplayed any sort of animosity as she insisted that herself and Dlamini are very supportive of each other, both on and off the field.

"You know why we are where we are? It's because we have so much love, and the competition between us never goes beyond our friendship," said Swart.

"We try and motivate [one another] wherever we can, and I think that's also a reason why we're so successful – it's because we support each other, we give feedback, we criticise each other more than anyone would know.

"So, I think it's just us being there for each other because you know, a goalkeeper is such an isolated position, and for us to have one another's backs, I think that's a reason why we can perform at our best. I also think we push each other to the limits."

The 29-year-old scooped the Hollywoodbets Super League Goalkeeper of the Year award after keeping 14 clean sheets for JVW in 30 league games last season. 

She admits it has been hard to remain positive throughout the criticism, but she has learnt to be resilient.

"But I always say, whether you do good or bad, people are always going to have something ton say, and it's just in my personality to try and see the positive from everything," she added.

"It's never easy. Obviously, it takes a lot of hard work to prepare yourself mentally and be in a good space to deal with difficult moments, which I've had my fair share of, but I think I'm definitely stronger for it."

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