Banyana Banyana’s Swart: Turkey trip a stepping stone to the World Cup

Goalkeeper Kaylin Swart

JVW FC and Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Kaylin Swart has opened up on the Turkish Women’s Cup tournament and their World Cup expectations.

The South African women’s team received their trophy and medals after they were officially crowned as Group A winners of the Turkish Women’s Cup last Wednesday.

Banyana Banyana won their group on goal difference after beating Uzbekistan 3-0, and played to a 1-1 stalemate with runners-up Slovenia. In other words, South Africa collected four points in two matches. Both matches took place at the Emirhan Sport Complex in Antalya.

“The trip was massive in the process that we went to. Turkey has been good for us. It’s a stepping stone to see where we are as a team and what we need to work on moving forward,” she told ThisIsFootball.Africa.

“We have grown so much as players over the last couple years, we are wiser now and know exactly how much hard work we have to put in to perform at our best.

“Our coaches are working tirelessly to get us to peak at the right time, so this trip meant a lot to us as a group,” she said. 

Furthermore, Swart has insisted the World Cup is important for them because there’s pressure of getting results and they are not going to the World Cup to add numbers.

“This World Cup is a huge step for us as a country and it being our second appearance, there’s more pressure to grind out results and we will take this pressure and do everything in our power to showcase what we are really capable of doing at the World Cup,” she added. 

“It’s very important for us as a team to do well and not just add numbers, so with that we have to being our A game to every match we play and do our country proud

The South African ladies are back with their domestic clubs after an international trip. They are expected to play friendly matches before the World Cup starts in July.

Also Read: ‘He is on the green grass’ – Mokwena provides injury updates on Mamelodi Sundowns stars