We are ready for Falcons – Bayana keeper

Bayana Bayana goalkeeper Kaylin Swart admits playing against the Super Falcons is a Herculean task but says she and her teammates are ready for their crucial final Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers against their familiar foes.

Both sides have forged an intense rivalry over the years and are seen as the toast of Africa following recent successes, but it’s been the South Africans who have won recent battles.

Banyana beat Nigeria in their last two meetings: the 2022 Women’s Afcon in Morocco and 2021 Aisha Buhari Cup in their own backyard, tournaments that Banyana went on to win.

“Nigeria is a very tough place to go to, but we’ve had some success in that country. It’s going to be another tough battle, but we are ready for it,” Swart said.

“We are in season now (in the SA Super League), so I think we’ve improved a lot. Our teams have improved, and the level of individuality has improved.

“So, I think the coaches are excited. Obviously, now we are preparing for the game coming up and we are all in very high spirits as individuals and as a team.”