How Desiree Ellis is oiling Banyana Banyana to outwit big guns

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis says they are mastering the art of being brilliant without possession as a strategy to outwit the so-called big guns at the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Ellis is first to admit that playing possession football against the likes of Italy and Argentina is a mammoth task.

Therefore the former Banyana Banyana midfielder is working on ensuring that her players master being flawless even when chasing the ball.

In Africa, Banyana Banyana are renowned for their fast-passing and possession-based football. The likes of Refiloe Jane, Hildah Magaia and Linda Motlhalo have been some of the top performers.

HOW BANYANA WILL COUNTER BIG TEAMS AT WORLD CUP

But Ellis thinks their trademark game might be difficult to apply at the forthcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“We have worked specifically these past days. Defensively it has showed a bit; our transition has been well,” Ellis said.

“Holding the ball is one of our strengths but when you play these big countries, you know you won’t have the ball. 

“So we are working on being better without the ball and make sure we can still control the game. 

“I’m sure we have done better in the few games but where we are going is bigger and better. 

“It was tournament [Turkish Women’s Cup] where we wanted to test ourselves. When we wentt behind, we said this is the right thing to see how we react. And they really reacted well. 

“We are looking at opposition that is similar. We are also looking at how they played with other teams and the results they got.”

Ellis is working on bridging the gap in quality between local and international players as she aims to pick the Crème de la crème.

“Sometimes you see the gulf between local and international players, so we are looking at raising that level. Clubs are key. The work that they put 24/7 has really been helpful to us. 

“We have been leaning on them because by the time we go to the World Cup we must be one in terms of conditioning.

“It’s one area, that we need to improve. We need to be quick in everything. Last world cup it was more about the speed not the distance. There is room for improvement ” she added.

The reigning African champions, Banyana Banyana, are in Group G alongside Argentina, Italy and Sweden.

RELATED STORY: Desiree Ellis reflects on Turkish Women’s Cup experience