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Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says the team is determined to secure a win in their WAFCON quarterfinal matchup against Senegal tonight.
South Africa have stayed on course to defend their WAFCON title, after a convincing 4-0 win against Mali to secure a spot in the knockout stage.
Speaking at a pre-match presser, Ellis adds that they will not underestimate their opponents as they look forward to a competitive clash against the Lionesses of Teranga.
"As I said, you underestimate a team at your own peril. Even though Senegal lost to Morocco and Zambia, they never gave up in those tight matches.
"Senegal are never going to just give up, so we are ready to push ourselves right to the end," asserted the Banyana Banyana boss.
Ellis admits that the defending champions started the tournament slowly, but finally picked up the pace in their final group stage fixture against Mali.
"We started the group stages slowly, but we ended very impressively. As the group stage went on, we were able to manage the players better, and our players realised the importance of striking early, because that allows you to control matches and to nullify the opposition," Ellis explained.
The 62-year-old says they are prepared to face a physical Senegalese side and have also put a plan in place to surpass them.
"We aren't going to grow taller overnight, so we know what we're about and where our strengths and weaknesses lie.
"We have our plans in place that will guide us to victory."
Ellis says they will make sure that they fight until the end, and treat every match with the attention it deserves.
