‘Soccer Gods Were With Us’: Swart
Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Kaylin Swart believes the team’s collective effort and unity were key to securing a crucial victory over Nigeria in the 2027 Women’s World Cup Inter-Confederation Qualifiers.
Banyana were forced into the inter-confederation qualification route following their disappointing exit from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
South Africa missed out on automatic qualification for the global tournament after suffering a quarter-final defeat to hosts Morocco in the continental competition.
That setback meant Desiree Ellis’ side had to fight through the inter-confederation pathway, and they showed great character against the Super Falcons.
Thembi Kgatlana opened the scoring for Banyana before captain Refiloe Jane added another goal to strengthen South Africa’s position. Nigeria managed to respond, but Banyana held on to secure a crucial victory and move closer to their World Cup dream.
Reflecting on the team’s achievement and the route they have been forced to take, Swart admitted that qualifying this way was not what Banyana had initially wanted.
“Yes, this is not the way we wanted to go to the World Cup, but if this is the step that we have to take, so be it,” she said.
“But we’re going to continue to work, and hopefully in the next couple of rounds, we can still display the same football and unity that we showed today.
“But, yeah, I’m just proud of the girls, and I don’t have anything more to say.”
Swart played a key role in the result, producing an outstanding display between the posts. The 31-year-old goalkeeper made several crucial saves to keep South Africa in the game and was rewarded with the Player of the Match award for her performance.
The JVW Girls goalkeeper said she was overwhelmed by her own contribution, but insisted that the victory was the result of a collective effort rather than an individual performance.
“I’m so overwhelmed right now, but I think that was a collective effort,” she added.
“I think when we fight, and we fight together, this is what happens. And I think, yeah, the soccer gods were with us today.
“But, yeah, I’m just glad that I could help the team in any way possible.
“I still don’t know how I made those saves, but, yeah, I think all the hard work that I’ve put in, and all the disappointments from the tournament, I think now we can rest a little and hopefully go back and, you know, we’re now in the playoffs.”
The victory means Banyana have booked their place in the first inter-confederation playoff round, which is scheduled to take place in November.
They will be joined by Ghana in the next stage after the Black Queens also secured a victory over Ivory Coast on Thursday.
