Duo to fire for Banyana

Eastern Cape-born Banyana Banyana players Bambanani Mbane and Kaylin Swart are looking to ride the wave of local support when the Cosafa Women’s Championships kick-off this week.

They are part of the Banyana team to play in the tournament starting on Wednesday and finishing on September 22. Most of the matches will be played at Wolfson Stadium and the Westbourne Oval will be used as a support venue.

Swart, 23, was born in Gelvandale in PE but moved to Tuks Sports High in Johannesburg in 2009, after completing Grade 8 at St Thomas High.

After four years she moved to UWC in Cape Town. Swart was then awarded a scholarship to study at AIB College in the US.

While studying at AIB she received a bursary for Bachelor of Science in Business at Menlo College in California.

The goalkeeper has been in the US for five years and says it has been life-changing.

“I’m pretty excited to be back in my hometown and playing in front of friends and family.

“I think that is a very good motivation for me and also for the team to just be in a different city and showing Banyana to the whole of SA.

“I think that alone is motivation for everyone to show off our talent and win back to back championships. PE will be a great experience.”

Swart said they were not only preparing for the Cosafa Cup but for what was to come.

“I think being in PE is really something we can pride ourselves on because nothing really comes to PE. Having the Cosafa here and being with Banyana in my hometown is a good feeling.”

Mbane, 28, of Sterkspruit, moved to Bloemfontein eight years ago to join Bloemfontein Celtic. It was only in 2015 when she was spotted by ex-Banyana coach Vera Pauw while playing in the Sasal League. She joined the women’s national squad that took part in the Rio Olympics. The defender said there was more pressure on her to perform in the Eastern Cape.

There are 12 teams in the competition and Banyana have been drawn in Group A alongside Botswana, Madagascar and Malawi. The national side take on Madagascar at Wolfson Stadium on Wednesday at 3.30pm.