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Desiree Ellis tells Chiefs and Pirates to emulate Sundowns

Banyana Banyana head coach, Desiree Ellis, has told Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates to emulate Mamelodi Sundowns’ success in the women’s game.

Former African champions, Sundowns, are revered across the continent, having become the first women’s team in Africa to win the CAF Women’s Champions League in 2021.

They also reached the finals in 2022 against AS FAR of Morocco but unfortunately lost.

Football supporters have called for the two Soweto giants in the last few years to join their Tshwane rivals in creating a women’s team.

However, that has not turned to fruition, as both Soweto teams don’t have women’s teams yet.

But a while ago, the marketing director of Chiefs, Jessica Motaung, did hint at a women’s team being implemented at Chiefs soon. However, it is still unknown how far the “soon” is.

Banyana’s head coach told FARPost at the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy tour in Soweto how Chiefs and Pirates emulating Sundowns could add more growth to the women’s game.

Sundowns Ladies squad before the Hollywoodbets Super League game
Sundowns Ladies squad. Photo courtesy of Sundown Ladies’ Twitter page

This is because of the brand awareness and interest the two Soweto sides will bring into the Super League.

ELLIS ON WHY CHIEFS AND PIRATES SHOULD EMULATE SUNDOWNS

“We speak about what Mamelodi Sundowns has done for the women’s game. And now that TS Galaxy has also come on board to be part of it,” said Ellis.

“I think it is very important. I think Chiefs and Pirates are brands on their own. And I think they will bring more brands to come on board.

“But I know Jessica said she is planning a women’s team. And I trust her; she will come through with a women’s team.

“It is really important that they come along to raise the levels, to raise the profile. I think we can only go to a different level once they come on board.

“But, big ups to the teams that already have teams in the PSL and Hollywoodbets,” concluded Ellis.

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