Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says she will be using the tour to Denmark and England as part of their preparations to defend their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) crown next year in Morocco.
Banyana will be under immense pressure on course to defend their Wafcon title, as all the previous winners have retained their crowns.
Recently, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that the women’s African showpiece will be delayed and will take place between July 5 and 26.
Speaking to Sunday World during the Sasol League National playoffs in Knysna, Western Cape, this week, Ellis said the team will to camp tomorrow for what will be a stern challenge ahead of them in the European tour against two top teams.
“I think we are facing two different kinds of challenges in Denmark and England because you know the Scandinavian teams are always very physical,” Ellis said.
“I’ve watched about three or four games of Denmark – very quick, they move the ball around quickly and that’s what we want to be tested because we’re going to a competition [Wafcon] where you’re going to play physical teams but you’re also going to play teams that can play. So, they will test us from a different level.
“England, on the other hand, are European champions [2022], World Cup runners-up [2023] and it will be a different ball game altogether.
“They will want to play and that will be great for us because we also want to play but we have to get our defensive shape organised.”
Ellis named a relatively strong squad, with regulars Bongeka Gamede, Noko Matlou and Jermaine Seoposenwe some of the notable absentees. Captain
Refiloe Jane is still out with injury and currently undergoing rehabilitation.
“We needed to make sure that we have a very competitive team and hungry players because you can’t just win it and not want to go and defend it,” Ellis said.
“And we all know defending is going to be much more difficult, so we are going to need the right mindset, everyone in top shape, top conditioning, and all the preparations.
“So, the next couple of months will be key for us,” the coach added.
- Monoalibe is attending the Sasol League National Champs courtesy of Sasol.
