5 June 2018 – Striker Jermaine Seoposenwe has lavished praise on Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis saying the former national women’s team captain had brought into the team a vibe that is being embraced by the players.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s CAF Women Nations Cup against Lesotho at Setsoto Stadium, Seoposenwe said everything Desiree was touching was exactly what the doctor ordered.

She said the goal-scoring matter was one thing coach Desiree had inculcated into this generation of Banyana Banyana and all had responded positively.

“She has inspired us to score goals and do it on a regular basis so that it becomes a habit. She has also brought in some competition among the players to bang in those goals and we have responded to that philosophy,” she said.

She said scoring goals would cultivate confidence among the players and this was one way to achieve the team’s ultimate goals – qualifying and doing well in major tournaments.

Seoposenwe said the mere fact that this camp was dominated by young players, showed the future could only be brighter.

“It is a refreshing camp and we are all excited. Seeing the youngsters come in and get experience is a good challenge. It creates a huge pool for the squad. It is not about us but the upcoming generation. We have a player who is 16 and I started when I was 16 and when you come in at this stage you get to have a feel for the national set-up which is great.

“No one is above the other in the national team and we are excited when the coach brings in the youth to the national set-up,” added the striker.

Meanwhile, captain Refiloe Jane said playing minnows like Lesotho has its own challenges because there are a lot of expectations from the fans to wallop them.

“We need to live up to expectation; we have the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup to qualify. Lesotho will come at us but we are more than prepared.

“We know that their captain plays in South African Sasol League, she is a good player and they also have new players in the team so it won’t be easy but the main focus is on our side. We want to score goals, do well and qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations,” said Jane.

Banyana Banyana leave for Bloemfontein soon after the game where they will begin preparations for the second leg which will be played at Dr Petrus Molemela stadium on Sunday.