We will stop at nothing
in the friendly. The beauty about this team is that they play until the 93rd or 94th minute. They never stop fighting and pushing themselves. We are coping with the heat and it was in our plans to come to Ghana early so that we acclimatise and get used to everything here before the tournament.
On the challenges they might face
Our first challenge would be that the girls have to get used to start playing from the first whistle. There’s no two ways about that. We didn’t do that against Ghana in that friendly, but we are going to have to do that. That is what it’s going to take to go to the final and that is what it’s going to take to go to the World Cup. It is something we are working on and the girls are starting to understand it now.
On who poses a threat
the two countries and it continues. The day before Banyana Banyana play Nigeria is the same as the day before Bafana Bafana play Nigeria. We are going to have to be on top of our game from the first whistle against them. Our focus is on the first game and we need to play it and put that behind us, as it will set the tone for the tournament.
Message to Simphiwe Dludlu and Bantwana
Well we know that they have prepared well and we know that they will go out there and make the country proud. They are a bunch of talented young players and they have an infectious coach who puts the group together and makes them enjoy themselves and makes them smile all the time. We wish them everything of the best. Desiree Ellis, Banyana Banyana coach
On how well they have prepared…
We knew 11 months ago that we are coming to the World Cup and it’s been a battle trying to get the team ready. Preparing ourselves psychologically and mentally for the tournament has helped us and it’s been a countdown since we qualified. Even now, the girls will always tell me, ‘Hey, coach, it’s only few sleeps now before we play our next game.’ That just shows you the readiness from them. They are ready and everybody is ready for the tournament. We are here to compete and we will stop at nothing. That is the motto we have. We have emphasised the fact that whoever we will be playing against will be a human being with two legs, two eyes and two hands, so they shouldn’t be intimidated by seeing the yellow and green of Brazil, for example. Brazil players are human beings like us and they kick the ball with their feet like us. Every one of the girls knows and understands that clearly. I personally am prepared and ready. By the time you read this, we will have two more games to play. It is important for me
I think friendly games prior to a tournament are always good in the sense that they give you clear indication of how far you are with your preparations. I know coach Desiree Ellis is a very good coach and her results speak volumes. I have always believed in them and I know that when the tournament starts they will be on top of their game. I have worked with coach Des and I have seen how she does her thing. I wish them the best of luck and, in the back of my mind, I know that if there’s anyone that can win the AWCON and qualify Banyana for the World Cup, it is coach Desiree. Simphiwe Dludlu, Bantwana Bantwana head coach