South Africa’s goalkeeper Kaylin Swart urges teammates to shine against Super Falcons
In a bid to secure qualification for the 2024 Olympics, South Africa’s goalkeeper, Kaylin Christen Swart, has rallied her teammates to give their best performance in their upcoming clash against Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
The Super Falcons, led by Coach Randy Waldrum, narrowly advanced to this stage after a tight contest against Cameroon, where Esther Okoronkwo’s solitary goal proved decisive over two legs.
The winner of the clash between Nigeria and South Africa will earn a coveted spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics, and Swart emphasized the intensity of the upcoming battle.
“Playing against Nigeria is always a great battle… I have full confidence in my teammates,” stated the 29-year-old goalkeeper, highlighting the long-standing rivalry between the two teams.
With South Africa’s first-choice goalkeeper, Andile Dlamini, sidelined due to medical reasons, Swart is poised to take the reins in goal. She credited the healthy competition within the team’s goalkeeping department for her growth as a player.
“Competition brings out the best in us… I’ve worked hard to be where I am, and I think my confidence grew,” Swart remarked, expressing gratitude for the team’s supportive environment.
Swart also emphasized the unity and chemistry within the South African squad as crucial factors for success. She highlighted the team’s growth and the individual brilliance of its players as key elements that could lead them to victory against Nigeria.
The first leg of the crucial qualifier will take place at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Friday, April 5, 2024, with the return fixture scheduled for Tuesday, April 9, at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
The winner of the two-legged tie will be drawn into Group C at the Olympics, alongside Spain, Brazil, and Japan.
