South Africa and JVW FC goalkeeper, Kaylin Christen Swart, has motivated her teammates to put their best foot forward in their clash against the Super Falcons of Nigeria as they look to qualify for the 2024 Olympics, Soccernet.ng reports.
Coach Randy Waldrum returned to the Super Falcons dugout as they only just defeated Cameroon over two legs, thanks to a lone goal from Esther Okoronkwo which took Nigeria into the final round of qualification.
Whoever comes out victorious from the game between Nigeria and South Africa will participate in the Paris 2024 Olympics, and Swart has revealed it will be a battle when both sides lock horns.
“Playing against Nigeria is always a great battle, we are familiar with each other only because we have had battles for many years up until now and this one is no different. I have full confidence in my teammates, and I think if we just stick to our strengths as a team and play for each other, we will get the results we need,” the 29-year-old goalkeeper said in quotes from the official CAF website.
South Africa will be without their first-choice goalkeeper, Andile Dlamini, due to medical reasons, meaning Swart will most likely be in goal for the fixtures against Nigeria. The 1.64m tall goalkeeper revealed that the competition in the team’s goalkeeping department has made her a better footballer.
“Competition brings out the best in us and I’m so grateful for the Goalkeeping department that we have at the national team because we push each other to the limits, but I can’t pin it on one thing. I’ve worked hard to be where I am and I think my confidence grew. At the end of the day, whoever starts is the coach’s decision,” Swart added.
Kaylin Swart in training with the Banyana Banyana of South Africa.
The Springs Home Sweepers academy graduate highlighted the key factor that will stand out for South Africa if they’re to defeat Randy Waldrum’s ladies.
“We as a national team have grown so much over the years, and every obstacle we faced helped us grow day by day. The main thing that led us to where we are now is that the unity and chemistry in this team is second to none, combined with the individual brilliance of our players and the overall growth of women’s football in our country,” she concluded.
The Super Falcons will host Banyana Banyana in the first leg at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Friday, April 5. The reverse fixture will be held at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday, April 9.
Whoever emerges victorious from the two-legged tie will be drawn into Group C at the Olympics, joining Spain, Brazil and Japan.
N.B: We want to know your thoughts. Do you think Nigeria can defeat South Africa? Let us know in the comments.
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