Ellis backs Danish-based Williams to challenge for Banyana No.1 spot

Williams was among the goalkeepers considered by Ellis for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year but ultimately missed out on the final 26-member squad in Morocco.

Following her move to Denmark, Ellis told SABC Sport she hopes the new challenge will raise Williams standards.

"I'm very excited for Jessica. The last South African women's goalkeeper we had abroad was Roxanne Barker and she did very well. This is a new beginning for Jessica and a chance for her to really step up and grow in a demanding league. We know the quality she has, now it's just about pushing through mentally. She is still young in goalkeeper years and hopefully she can come back into the squad one day.  I'm really hoping this move energises her and gets her to the next level."

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Elliss said it was a no-brainer that she will now be monitoring Williams even closer given her location at a club that regularly rubs shoulders with some of the best in the women’s game globally. 

The coach expects Williams to settle and adapt quicker to life abroad especially with her compatriot Bongeka Gamede nearby at FC Nordsjælland.