Banyana keeper Kaylin Swart says reaching last 16 is life-changing

Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Kaylin Swart says the team reaching the last 16 of the World Cup is a life-changing moment for the players.

Banyana reached the last 16 of the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup by defeating Italy 3-2 on Wednesday.

Following their success, each of the 23 players will get at least US$60 000 each (R1.14 million) in prize money from Fifa.

ALSO READ: Ntseki reveals why Billiat ‘ignores’ Kaizer Chiefs

Swart says more needs to be done to improve women’s football

Swart started all three games in goal for South Africa at the World Cup but has received criticism from fans, especially in the games against Sweden and Argentina. The 28-year-old redeemed herself against Italy by making a smart save in the 88th minute which denied Italy the winner.

ALSO READ: Ngezana makes a blunder in his debut and costs team

A few minutes later, Themni Kgatlana scored the winner for Banyana.

“It’s life changing for us, these are the numbers that we can only dream of. Obviously women’s football in South Africa is not professional. So, we don’t get paid,” Swart was quoted on Citizen.

“This is something for us to look forward to. Who could have thought a small country like South Africa, still growing in women’s football, just made history? We just have to enjoy it and hit the training field again and look forward to the next game,” said the shot-stopper.

The Banyana keeper revealed that she works full-time.

“I work a full-time job from 9am to 5pm everyday and I train at night. So, it’s tough being a footballer in South Africa. But we do it because of the love of the game and maybe one day we will be professionalised,” Swart said

ALSO READ: How Sundowns left Pitso’s favourite ‘SON’ in the wilderness

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY ELIOT MAHLASE