Advantage Banyana Playing Super Falcons Away First –Swart

Kaylin Swart, Banyana Banyana shot-stopper feels it’s an advantage for them to start by facing Nigeria away in the last round of the Olympics qualifiers, aiming to use the likely hostile atmosphere there as a “fuel”, sourced from TimesLive of South Africa.

The WAFCON defending champions take on the Super Falcons away on Friday next week, before hosting them at Loftus Versfeld Stadium four days later. With Andile Dlamini withdrawn from the squad due to “medical reasons”, Swart is a sure starter against Nigeria as the two keepers have been alternating in recent times.

“It’s always best to play away first, so I think we have an advantage against Nigeria as well. The last couple of qualifiers against DR Congo and Tanzania, it wasn’t easy, but we managed to get a couple of goals away and we came back home with confidence. Playing away first alleviates pressure,” Swart said.

“The ooze and chants from the away fans are not the best, but I think we can use that as a fuel to conquer. Yes, it’s going to be tough… Nigeria have a big following; they pack stadiums when they play at home, but we are up for the challenge and the hostility we’re going to face.”