Desiree Ellis, the coach of Banyana Banyana, has expressed her delight at having her most experienced players back in the squad, despite the unfortunate withdrawal of goalkeeper Andile Dlamini due to medical reasons ahead of the final Olympic Qualifier against Nigeria.
Ellis emphasized the importance of experienced players in navigating through crucial matches like the upcoming qualifier.
“If you look at the pictures, it was the top 5 -16s of roster regularly battling it out week in, week out, so the intensity was really good and a lot of them had come to un-state for some and we are praying over Sunday that nobody gets injured because it’s happened to us in the past where we’ve lost players at the last minute, you know.”
Ellis highlighted the significance of having experienced players like Bambanani, Bongeka, Sibulele, and Jane back in the squad, despite Dlamini’s absence. She stressed that their experience will be crucial, especially in dealing with the potentially hostile atmosphere expected in Nigeria.
“Dlamini Andile, until last week went through to medical reasons but I’m really, really happy you know, that Bambanani is back, Bongeka is back. Sibulele is back, Jane’s back that really warms my heart and it’s very encouraging because, those are your more experienced players and the experience in this essence is really going to help in the situation because as you earlier said, it might be hostile because we know how passionate the fans of Nigeria are back home and they will be screaming for their team and we need that experience to be able to get over this hurdle.”
Ellis’s optimism and confidence in her experienced players reflect the team’s readiness and determination to face the challenges ahead in the final Olympic Qualifier against Nigeria.
