‘We know what to expect,’ says Ellis ahead of World Cup opener

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis insists that they know what to expect when they take on Sweden on Sunday, 23 July, in their FIFA Women’s World Cup opener at Wellington Regional Stadium. 

The showdown between South Africa and Sweden is set to start at 7:00 [South African time]. 

The prestigious competition roared to life on Thursday when the hosts, New Zealand, faced Norway, with the home side walking away victorious with a 1-0 scoreline. 

DESIREE ELLIS ON FACING SWEDEN 

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game, Banyana mentor said that they know what they must do to defeat Sweden.  

“It’s not for the first time we play Sweden. We played with them in 2016 at the Olympic Games. It is always great to play Sweden,” said Ellis. 

“We know a lot of each other. Like they came to analyse us, and we analysed them. We are feeling very confident, and we have worked a lot over the last couple of weeks. 

“Now, we are working to be better in certain areas as we are looking forward to the game tomorrow.”

REFILOE JANE AGREES WITH DESIREE ELLIS 

Banyana captain Refiloe Jane concurred with her coach, stating that they have faced Sweden before, which will give them an idea of what to expect even though is not going to be an easy game.

“To add to what the coach has said, it’s a difficult game that we are going to play against Sweden. One of the toughest games probably in our group. Like we have played against them before, it won’t be easy,” added Jane. 

“But the preparations have been going very well from the time we qualified for the World Cup up until now. 

“I think we have done what we need to do as a team, and we are all looking forward to the game tomorrow.”

South Africa are pitted in Group G alongside formidable nations such as Argentina, Italy and Sweden.

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