Head coach Desiree Ellis has come to the defence of underfire goalkeeper Kaylin Swart as Banyana prepares for a must-win clash against Italy at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The African champions are in a precarious situation heading into their final group stage match in need of nothing less than a victory when they take on Italy on Wednesday.
READ | 'It comes back to haunt us every time' - Ellis explains where it went wrong for Banyana
This follows Banyana's disappointing 2-1 loss to Sweden in their first group stage match at the international showpiece. The defeat raised initial questions over Ellis' choice to start Swart ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.
In the second match, Banyana suffered more heartbreak as they gave up 2-0 lead to see Argentina score twice in the space of five minutes to rescue a point. Once again Swart and the Banyana defence came under fire.
"I'm not sure what that (criticism) is based on because if we look at Kaylin's involvement, including the back-passes, is higher than many of the other goalkeepers in the tournament.
"We selected Kaylin specifically to be able to assist us when we go back (play the ball back) to get us on the front foot as well.
To show how disingenuous some football fans are.
— Mamelodi Sundowns Sharpeville Branch® (@MS_Sharpeville) July 28, 2023
In 2019, Andile Dlamini conceded 7 goals in 2 games.
In 2023, Kaylin Swart conceded 4 in 2 games.
No one said anything about Andile Dlamini but have a lot to say about Kaylin Swart.
Can we stop being hypocrites for a change. pic.twitter.com/oqjiYFZ81h
Banyana's downfall being their height is really unfortunate because these girls can play
— the abominable (@UncleRax) July 28, 2023
Some have suggested that Dlamini, who at 1.69 metres tall, is Banyana's tallest player at the World Cup would have been able to deal better with some of the goals conceded. However, Ellis is not of the same opinion.
"I don't think it was a height problem, I think it was more an organisational problem. Sweden scored one out of the 13 corners that they got and if you look they scored three out of seven against Italy which had taller players than us," Ellis added.
"The scored goal that we conceded, when the Argentinian headed the ball, that player was only 1.5 metres. So it's more an organisational problem than a height problem."
Banyana's match against Italy kicks off at 09:00 (SA time).