Andile Dlamini, the first-choice goalkeeper for Banyana Banyana's historic 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) victory, has insisted she and fellow keeper Kaylin Swart are best friends.

Despite being benched by coach Desiree Ellis during the 2023 World Cup in favor of Swart, Dlamini remains focused on team unity ahead of this year’s Wafcon tournament in Morocco.

Swart’s performance at the 2023 World Cup, which saw Banyana reach the knockout stage for the first time, was praised but criticized for her struggles with aerial challenges.With both goalkeepers playing equally in recent matches, Dlamini emphasized that public speculation about their rivalry is unnecessary.'We are united, and myself and Kaylin are best friends,' she said, urging fans to support the team’s cohesion.

The squad faces Group B opponents Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania, with a chance to secure a second Wafcon title and qualify for the 2027 World Cup.

Dlamini’s comments highlight the pressure on the coaching staff to decide between two experienced goalkeepers as they aim to replicate their 2022 success.