Desiree Ellis happy to see youngsters step up in WAFCON preparations

This was after 18-year-old Mibe scored the opening goal in their 3-2 win over Botswana in the Three-Nation series opening match at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Ellis says the aim is to give as many players the opportunity to help grow the core group ahead of WAFCON.

"We are always looking at making the core group bigger. We know for instance that Bonolo Mokoma has been scoring a lot of goals in the Super League so we wanted to include her. 

"We want to make sure that we give as many players an opportunity. To go back to last year, we started with a new group against Senegal, we went to Denmark with a local group, we brought in some international players for the England friendly, then we brought another new group into the fold against Jamaica and Malawi. Now we're in a position to sit down and finalise our squad," said the Banyana Banyana mentor. 

READ: Dane van Niekerk will have to meet requirements to stand chance of Proteas Women return

Ellis shared her analysis of the match, stating that despite the win, she remains concerned regarding the two goals conceded.

"In certain aspects of our game today, we simply have to improve upon because from here on out, the level is going to get even higher," emphasised Ellis. 

The 62-year-old mentor also shared an update regarding striker Hilda Magaia’s injury.

"Unfortunately, Hildah picked up a niggle, but we are in the process of managing that so that she is ready for WAFCON. I deemed it important that we rather rest her," said Ellis.