Making it as a footballer is not an easy thing to do, especially as a girl, but Kaylin Swart has come a long way since turning out for a boys U9 team over 15 years ago…
The 25-year-old Banyana Banyana shot-stopper from Port Elizabeth has had plenty of challenges to overcome in her career, but she's got immensely proud parents having come through them to represent her country at both junior and senior level – including a FIFA Women's World Cup debut last year in France.
Swart, who spent time playing in the USA earlier in her career, started off playing against young boys due to the lack of infrastructure for young female footballers, and her folks admit that they were a bit worried about her at first.
Her dad, Enroy, explained to Sasol, "The first time I saw Kaylin play football was for an U9 boys' team, Glenville Celtic…. At first glance I could tell that she had great skills, she showed potential and met the competitive stature of the boys in the team. From a young age she was eager to play and when I was not available to transport her, she would eagerly walk to the fields.
"We were always worried about injuries because boys are much tougher compared to girls. Kaylin has had a couple of serious injuries and we were always fearful that she wouldn't recover from them. Though injury-prone, Kaylin was able to push through and endure the challenges that came with playing football. More-so, because of the support her parents gave her she persevered and displayed her tenacity to overcome the curveballs life dealt her."
Meanwhile, her mother, Lee-ann, explained how the Sasol League gave her an opportunity, saying, "Ten years ago, there weren't many opportunities for women footballers in South Africa, but thanks to the Sasol League, Kaylin was scouted while playing for the University of Western Cape.
"She received a bursary which would enable her to play overseas and we were very proud of her. Even though the opportunities were great for her career, I always wished that I could be with her. It was very hard for me when she had to leave the country because I wanted to support and guide my daughter."
Swart was not part of the Banyana squad that beat Lesotho earlier this month as Desiree Ellis explored her options in that friendly encounter, but will be eager to get back amongst things whenever international football returns following the COVID-19 crisis.
