Ellis happy to have action

Tshepo Ntsoelengoe

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis believes their international friendly match against Japan is just what they need after Botswana ended the senior national women’s team’s road to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Ellis named her squad for Japan on November 5, with some of the players missing out due to exams for the tie which will be played at the Kitakyushu Stadium in Fukuoka, Japan on November 10.

“I think it’s been fantastic for Sasol and Safa to come up with such a fantastic friendly so soon after the disappointment of being knocked out of the Olympics,” said Ellis.

“It shows they are behind women’s football and they want to put more in order for the team to go further and move forward.”

The Banyana coach revealed that she didn’t want to make a lot of changes into the team, but she had to do without some players who have school commitments.

“There have been a few challenges with some players not being available. Hilda Magaia, who has been fantastic for her team TUT Ladies in the National Women’s League, Amanda Mthandi as well as Bongeka Gamede, who has been outstanding for her team. They are busy with exams, so they are not available while captain Janine van Wyk is still nursing an injury,” she continued.

Banyana haven’t played since August, but Ellis says training programmes were sent to the players and she is positive they will benefit the girls.

“It’s a big test for us. We haven’t played in a while but I’m confident the players will step up. Some of them have been playing for their club’s in the last couple of months and we also sent out a training programme considering the fact we will be coming to camp in such a short time,” she added.