Coach Desiree Ellis has recently revealed the preliminary squad for the Banyana Banyana team, which is set to participate in the highly anticipated 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. This announcement is significant for women's football in South Africa, highlighting the sport's growing recognition and investment. Known for her strategic prowess and dedication to nurturing talent, Ellis has carefully handpicked a diverse group of players, each contributing their unique strengths to the team.
The selected squad combines seasoned veterans and promising young talents, showcasing Ellis's understanding of the importance of combining experience with fresh perspectives to create a cohesive and dynamic team. This preliminary squad selection is a testament to the increasing depth and quality of women's football in South Africa, with players sharpening their skills through domestic and international competitions.
The players will gather for a training camp in Johannesburg on the 12th of June, 2023, providing them with an opportunity to impress the coach before the final squad announcement later this month. Ellis acknowledges that selecting the preliminary squad has been a challenging task, describing it as one of the most difficult decisions she has had to make as the national team coach. She commends the players for raising their hands and proving their worth but emphasizes that the final selection will be even more demanding.
Ellis fully understands the arduous journey that awaits the team on the road to the FIFA Women's World Cup. She is committed to thoroughly preparing the squad, nurturing a strong team spirit, and implementing effective tactics to compete against some of the world's best teams.
Ellis says that selecting the preliminary squad was one of the most challenging tasks she has ever had as the South African senior women's national team coach.
"It's probably one of the most difficult selections I've ever had to make," the Banyana Banyana coach said.
” As a coach, you always say players must raise their hand and make it difficult. And it has been challenging (selecting the preliminary squad). Congratulations to the players that have made the preliminary squad. We are always saying players must raise their hands, and many have raised them. But we can select from this group of players, and they have raised their hands. We are going to make a final selection as well as announce the last 23 plus three. That will be more difficult, but we think this group of players will do the job for us.
Under the guidance of Coach Desiree Ellis, the players of Banyana Banyana will undoubtedly demonstrate their unwavering fighting spirit and determination, traits that have become synonymous with the team. As preparations for the tournament commence, the nation stands united in support of the squad, eager to witness their remarkable journey unfold on the global stage.
