Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Kaylin Swart has opened up about the criticism she endured at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Swart was the first-choice goalie ahead of Andile Dlamini at the just-ended World Cup hosted in New Zealand and Australia.
Dlamini was a surprise exclusion from the Banyana starting line-up at the World Cup after helping the team win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations last year.
The Mamelodi Sundowns ladies shot-stopper was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the WAFCON.
Meanwhile, Swart featured in all four matches for Banyana, who fell short in the round of 16. They were knocked out by the Netherlands.
With Swart heavily criticised for conceding costly mistakes, the 28-year-old has revealed how she dealt with the criticism.
KYLAN SWART OPENS ABOUT ABOUT BEING CRITICISED AT THE WORLD CUP
“Obviously, being a goalkeeper is tough, and the criticism that comes with it. People always think they know better in terms of what a goalkeeper can do,” Swart said on MSW.
“I think it’s lot of mental battles we fight with ourselves because being a goalkeeper is such an isolated position.
“We always criticise ourselves, but when it comes from outside, the pressure piles up. I don’t think I would have been a goalkeeper if I wasn’t able to handle these tough moments and battles that I face on a daily basis.
“I think it’s criticism that became personal, and that’s what got me the most. I’m fine with criticism because I’ve been dealing with it my whole life.
“People started coming for me personally, saying that I belong in the kitchen and I shouldn’t be playing football.
“It became too much for me that I had to shut down my social media; at the beginning, the criticism would get to me quite a bit. I didn’t understand the pressure of being at the top and people putting pressure on you.
“And I won’t lie. There were times I wanted to believe them, but when I dug deep, I knew that what they’re saying meant nothing to me.
“They don’t pay my bills; they are not in the gym when I’m working hard to be in the best shape. So it was a tough moment, but I also realised a lot about myself.
Furthermore, Spain was crowned the Women’s World Cup champions after beating England in the final.
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