Ellis says Sundowns Ladies’ continental success is beneficial to Banyana Banyana

By Ayanda Nyuswa

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis believes Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ success is beneficial for the national team, as more players gain experience of playing and succeeding on the African continent. The Banyana mentor was speaking at SAFA House on Thursday afternoon after announcing her 24-member squad for two WAFCON qualifiers against Burkina Faso later this month and early December. Ellis named a squad that has a mixture of youth and experience, and recalled former captain Janine Van Wyk as she is still chasing the record of being the most capped African player, male or female, in history.

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies reclaimed the CAF Women’s Champions League title, beating Morrocan side Sporting Casablanca 3-0 in the final, as they ascended to the top of African football for the second time in three years. A total of four Sundowns players have been called up in the latest Banyana squad, with the likes of Bambanani Mbane still missing through injury.

Coach Desiree Ellis says it is important for South African clubs to do well on the African continent, which in turn gives the players vital experience that they can bring into the Banyan Banyana set up for major tournaments like the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the Olympic games and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Picture: SAFA on X

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