Desiree Ellis: Banyana Banyana connection reminiscent of 2022 squad

Banyana played two international friendlies against Algeria this week, winning the first 1-0 on Tuesday before securing a 2-0 victory at King Zwelithini Stadium yesterday. 

Ellis says integrating new players has shown her how the team, including those in the technical department, are all willing to work together. 

"I think it reminds me of 2022 WAFCON when we were so connected. We work with a mental coach and that is all about team work – if you don't play, are you still a good teammate; it's all about being there for each other and stepping up.

"Because we are accountable and it's about being together as a team – if you have a bus, you have the driver, the engine, the fuel but you can't do without each other.

"So its about understanding that each and every person in the team is important, each and every staff member is important because they play a huge role behind the scenes as well.

"The information we get from the top, from Thabo [Mnyamane], what we can't see – because we sit at eye level – he can tell us; Coach T [Thinasonke Mbuli] is sitting behind and probably sees more than what I see, and coach Riedoh [Berdien] gives input as well."

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The 63-year-old also used all three of the goalkeepers in camp – Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart and Kebotseng Moletsane – and praised the department for keeping clean sheets across both fixtures. 

"A big applause must also go to coach Lucky [Shiburi] – two clean sheets while playing all three goalkeepers, that says a lot about the goalkeeping department," she added.

"But we come away with two good results, especially the second game – a very good performance, considering where we are.

"We're now just hoping and praying that the [Hollywoodbets Super] League starts soon because that will really help us, we haven't had any matches, this is our second match together since December so it augurs well for WAFCON.

"But we can' stop now, we have to consistently still work off camp to make sure that when the players come back [together] they are better."