WC qualification echoes Bafana’s
Desiree, like Barker, is a local coach
Exactly 20 years after Bafana Bafana qualified for France ’98, Banyana Banyana will return to the country that ushered the senior men’s national team its first-ever Fifa World Cup qualification.
In 1998, striker Phil “Chippa” Masinga’s long-range shot sunk Congo 1-0 at FNB Stadium to book a ticket to
France.
And exactly 20 years down the line, Banyana have qualified for their maiden Fifa Women’s World Cup in France next year. There are a number of some striking similarities on how these two feats were achieved. Firstly, the two goals that sealed the two deals were all from long-range efforts – that of Masinga and Banyana’s second goal by overlapping defender Lebogang Ramalepe. Secondly, the two feats were achieved by local coaches – Clive “The Dog” Barker and Desiree Ellis. Although Barker didn’t travel with the team to France after he was replaced by Philippe Troussier, he is the one who engineered the France sojourn.
The Ellis-coached side completed a memorable qualification having played some swashbuckling football in the tournament so far in which their mainstay has been a watertight defence, mobile midfield with some quality finishing upfront where striker Thembi Kgatlana is enjoying the form of her life. Ellis said while the team achieved its main objective of qualifying for France next year, they were now focussing on the final tomorrow against their Nemesis and champions Nigeria, whom they beat 1-0 in the opening game of the tournament. Banyana Banyana are expected to return home on Sunday afternoon after the finals. – Safa Media