Thinasonke Mbuli: Desiree Ellis still very much part of Banyana

SABC Sport earlier reported of the ongoing deadlock between Ellis and the South African Football Association on the terms of a new four-year contract approved by the SAFA NEC. 

Mbuli says Ellis has been in touch with her and the players, and continues to help with their preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against DR Congo. 

"To be honest, Coach [Ellis] is obviously the leader of the team, and she came to see us before we went to the airport [last week] Sunday, so she has been in contact with us," Mbuli told the media.

"I just got a text from her this morning just to say she's still with us, and we discussed training and everything, she's still very much part of this group.

"Even those who were not with us on Sunday, like the players from overseas, she gave them a call, so she's still a very important part of this team.

"For us it's to play and win, and maybe having the coach also come back and taking the team to WAFCON."

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Mbule says she’s thrilled that the overseas-based players have joined the national team’s camp ahead of the second leg next Tuesday, with Mexico-based Thembi Kgatlana, Hildah Magaia, Amogelang Motau and Sinoxolo Cesana all present. 

"The key thing to note is that all the players based in Mexico are our offensive players, so we do feel that Thembi, Amo and Sinoxolo will give us more options in terms of our attacking approach," she added.

"So we are happy to have them in camp, and happy that they are going to have four sessions with us, but more than anything it's going to help us in terms of our options going forward and our offensive play."