Former Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Astrid Van Kesteren (nee February) says South Africa’s current number one, Kaylin Swart, should impose herself more, be brave and command her box to compensate for her lack of height between the goalposts.
Swart has come under heavy criticism following her vulnerability under the high ball during South Africa’s loss to Sweden (1-2) and the draw against Argentina (2-2).
South Africa must beat Italy on Wednesday at the Wellington Regional Stadium and hope that Sweden does not slip up against Argentina to progress to the Last 16 for the first time ever.
Ellis has in the meantime come to the defense of her goalkeeper. Van Kesteren, who played 12 games for Banyana between 1998 and 2000, has highlighted that SA’s defense was also not too comfortable under the high ball which increased the pressure on Swart to catch or punch the ball comfortably to safety.
On top of this, she was boxed in by her own players, coupled with the opposing attackers making her task even more challenging.
Van Kesteren, one of the most senior players active in the Women’s Sasol League with Magic Ladies, says she has known Swart since her junior days and is aware of what type of character she is.
“Her performance against Argentina was better but there is still room for improvement,” Van Kesteren stated.
“I think she should take charge by attacking the ball, being more commanding, brave and alert,” Van Kesteren pointed out.
“She is good with her feet and distribution and most modern coaches look for that in a keeper,” said Van Kesteren.
With so much at stake, it will be interesting to see how Ellis plays her hand. But the Banyana Banyana coach already defended her selections when she said that her job is on the line and that is why she always puts out a team to win.
“Tell me which coach won’t put out a team to win? It is also my reputation on the line, so I put a team out to win,” Ellis concluded.
