Swart – We Are In Such A Good Space

Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Kaylin Swart has said the team are in a much better space than they were four years when they were losing finalists at the 2018 WAFCON.

Banyana are currently in Morocco for this year’s CAF Women’s African Cup of Nations, preparing for the tournament that kicks off next week.

Banyana start against Nigeria, the team they lost to in a penalty shootout in that final in 2018.

Swart, talking to Lethabo Kganyago in the latest edition of iDiski Times, points out that a lot has changed in South African football in the last four years, with so many of the players turning professional, and the introduction of the Hollywoodbets Super League.

“Oh, absolutely, I think we are in such a good space,” Swart told iDiski Times. 

“Like I said, four years ago, not many of us were playing at the highest level, that time it was the Sasol league. 

“Now the Hollywoodbets, the last 10 games that we’ve had, you can see the growth in the league, all the teams are better than what we were last season. 

“And I think that definitely contributes to the national team and the coaches are seeing that there’s a lot of players now that are playing week in, week out. 

“There are no more 5-0 or 8-0, there’s competition now, and that helps a lot. As players, you always want that competition and the high level, and I think we’ve really risen to the occasion. 

“I think they are pretty happy with what they see but it just shows how much women’s football is being recognised. 

“Yes, it’s not where we want it to be yet in our country, but obviously, the growth that we showed in the last year is definitely a testament to us wanting more and us wanting to win and be part of the national team.”

Click below to read the FREE digital version of the iDiski Times newspaper, with interviews with Kaylin Swart, Romain Folz, Steve Barker, and Solly Mohlabeng chatting about is SAFA Presidential campaign, plus we have two fantastic coaching columns, the latest transfer rumours and much more!