16 July 2022 – Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has issued a word of appreciation to the South African Football Association (SAFA) and sponsors SASOL for their support during the team’s campaign in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament.
The SASOL-sponsored Banyana Banyana coach was reflecting on the team’s journey, victory over Tunisia and the semi-final match against Zambia on Monday, 18 July 2022.
“We have had a lot of challenges leading up to the Tunisia game and we really have to give a big thank you to the Association (SAFA) for supporting us through that and helping us get ready for the game against Tunisia.
“I would also want to thank Hollywood Bets for helping us professionalise women football and help prepare our girls to be more competitive,” said Ellis.
Speaking with SAFA.net coach Desiree Ellis admitted that the team did not want a repeat of 2014 where they had to go the longer route to qualify for the World Cup but fell short and missed out.
“In 2014 we were in a similar position where we lost the semifinals and we had to play a third place playoff and we did not make it so we had to make sure.” Said Ellis.
“I want to commend the players even though it was frantic and hectic, they fought for each other and made sure that we did not concede.”
“The pressure of qualifying is off our backs.It’s another pressure game (against Zambia)and we look forward to that.”
“In each game we have shown that we can create and we just need to be more clinical. The Tunisia game could have gone a different direction if we did not take our chances.”
“These knock out games you get a once off and you don’t get a second chance. There is no three points and you need to make sure you win.” Added the coach.
The winner of the COSAFA derby will go on to play the winner of the second semifinal clash between hosts Morocco and defending champions Nigeria.
For more information on Banyana Banyana’s WAFCON journey logon to http://www.www.safa.net or follow @SAFA_net and @BanyanaBanyana on social Media.