12 April 2021 – Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana have the ability to defeat Botswana when the two face off on Tuesday, 13 April 2021 – these are the words of goalkeeper Kaylin Swart.
The international friendly fixture will take place at the Wits University Stadium in Johannesburg.
Kickoff is at 15h00.
Swart says they had a good game against their Zambian counterparts on Saturday (10 April 2021), who took a first half lead – and that brought out the best of South Africa.
“The come from behind play just showed the character of the team and just how much we have grown. We all know that turning the scoreline is never easy,” said Swart at their final training session before meeting Botswana.
“There are so many things we can look forward to and it starts with these friendly games – it is always the little things like these that built the team character as well as individual character. Coming back from a goal down was a great test for us – we just have to keep going and keep fighting.”
Banyana Banyana conceded a goal in the 17th minute on Saturday but fought hard to win the match 3-1.
Noko Matlou scored a brace, and Thembi Kgatlana grabbed the third one.
Swart says this was the result of the hard work they put in at training. It was also their first match since the COSAFA Women’s Championship in November last year.
“We really worked hard this past week and Saturday (against Zambia) was just the result of the work we put in off the field. Credit to the players for coming to the party by being active when the league was not even playing,” added Swart, who did not play in the first match.
Banyana Banyana haven’t forgotten how Botswana knocked them out of the Tokyo Olympic qualifiers.
“We are looking forward to the clash (vs Botswana) – it’s another big task for us as we know what Botswana can produce. Yes, it is a friendly match and I wouldn’t say it is a rival game, but we had some heartbreak in the past against them and we want to do the best we can,” said Swart.
“We have to have the same mindset we had on Saturday when we face them and have a good battle because it is not going to be easy, but I think we are up for it.”
The Banyana Banyana goalminder says they are also looking at the bigger picture.
“These two games are great – and could not have come at a better time. The league hasn’t started for some of us, so this is good in all respects. And it also helps with the momentum when we return to our clubs and do well there,” she concluded.
“As a nation we have so much to look forward to, and it is the little things that boost the team – among them the momentum that I spoke about. So two wins out of two would be great so we get this winning mentality we have instilled in ourselvs and the entire team. This will also boost everyone’s morale going into future camps. We still want to qualify for the World cup again, and go to the Olympics but we have to look forward to the COSAFA Cup first and then the AFCON, but it starts with the these two games and also us growing and getting better day by day.
For further information please contact:
SAFA: Head of Communications
Dominic Chimhavi
Email: dominic.chimhavi@safa.net
Mobile: +27 71 332 9886