Banyana Banyana hope to regroup after suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat to Denmark on Friday evening when they come up against England in an international friendly match tonight, 29 October 2024.
The match will be played at the Coventry Building Arena at 21h45 SA time and will be broadcast live on SABC Sport.
Coach Dr Desiree Ellis says her team will not dwell much on Denmark loss as they are fully focused on England.
“Look, I think it is a new game. Of course we look back on that but it is a whole new opponent, Dr Ellis said.
“An opponent that also recently lost. They are preparing for next year’s Euros, so it is a process for both of us.
“We were glad to give some players an opportunity [against Denmark] to see what they can offer. We have new personnel coming in, and that will strengthen the team as well but the enthusiasm and commitment is always there and we are all looking forward to this challenge.
Banyana will be boosted by the arrival of Linda Motlhalo, Thembi Kgatlana, Hilda Magaia and Sinoxolo Cesane who joined up with the squad in England after the Denmark encounter. Dr Ellis believes their experience and familiarity with the team is key as they do not have much time to prepare for the match.
“Look, it’s fantastic, we have the experience of Thembi, Linda, Hilda and Sino has also come in, who has had a couple of camps with the national team but that is something you can’t buy, just looking at the experience these players have.
“We have played in different styles and these players have an understanding of these systems – with the short time that we have, they will fit in very well and we will take it forward to the England game,” Ellis added.
”Look, I don’t think we need to motivate anyone after playing a tough opponent like England. You know they were the World Cup finalist, they are current European champions. I think for every player you want to play against the very best.
“We are always looking for a better performance building up to the WAFCON and sometimes results or a performance doesn’t go your way but it’s what you take out of that, you know performance and result in the next game and that’s what we are looking for.”
Written by: Diski Voice