Fiery Banyana to hit the ground running

Port Elizabeth-born Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Kaylin Swart said there are positives to take from Saturday’s friendly against Chile despite losing 2-1 in the first of two matches scheduled against the South Americans.

Forced to play with a player short after Jermaine Seoposenwe was red-carded for a late tackle as early as in the 38th minute, Banyana put on a brave fight against the hosts at Estadio Sausalito in Vina del Mar, Chile.

US-based goalkeeper Swart said the positives will help the team prepare better for their next match which is scheduled to take place at Estadio Santa Laura on Tuesday.

The friendlies are part of the national team’s preparation for the women’s Afcon tournament taking place in Ghana next month.

“There were a lot of positives to take from our first friendly against Chile. The fight was there from the girls and I think that is what we will definitely take to the next game,” said the 24-year-old shot-stopper.

“It’s disappointing that we lost the way we did, but everyone is pretty excited about the next game because now we know what it is going to take for us to play even harder against Chile.”

Swart said the biggest lesson though was that they have to utilise their chances on goal.

“The coaches know what is required now, so I think they are much more prepared for us,” she said.

This was Banyana’s first loss in seven matches.

After losing to Sweden in January in Cape Town, they registered back-to-back victories over Lesotho in the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers earlier this year.

They continued the winning streak when they went unbeaten in five matches while defending their Cosafa Cup title in Port Elizabeth.

They have now set their sights on booking themselves at spot at the 2019 World Cup. Banyana are determined to finish in the top three at the Afcon in Ghana next month which will guarantee them a plane ticket to France and the World Cup next year.

The fight was there and I think that is what we will take to the next game