Ellis excited to finally get Banyana back in action

Desiree Ellis (below) says she is excited that Banyana Banyana are getting some international football after announcing her squad ahead of the Aisha Buhari Cup in Nigeria this month.

The South Africans have been drawn in Group B, alongside Ghana and Cameroon, while Group A sees hosts Nigeria up against Morocco and Mali.

“The Aisha Buhari Cup is now very important as it allows us to play international football again. We have always asked Safa and Sasol (sponsors) to get us top opposition and we are very excited about this upcoming tournament,” Ellis was quoted saying on Safa.net.

“We know that Nigeria have been very active along with Morocco, who have recently played Mali in two international friendly matches. Cameroon has a new coach who is preparing their team and my good friend coach Mercy (Tagoe) is also getting Ghana ready for the tournament.”

With six of the continent’s best nations in womens football competing, Ellis sees this tournament similar to playing in the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (Awcon).

“It’s like a mini Awcon itself. It is an opportunity to test ourselves after having missed a lot of football over the last 18 months both locally and internationally,” she added.

“It’s also an opportunity to have a look at some of the overseas-based players that we have not seen since 2019 due to Covid-19 protocols and quarantine regulations in the countries where they are playing.”