Ellis sends rousing message to Mzansi ahead of WAFCON final

Three-time CAF Women’s Coach of the Year Desiree Ellis has sent a rousing message to South Africans ahead of Saturday night’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.

Ellis has put her latest accolade aside, with all focus on the showdown against the Atlas Lionesses. The two African giants clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium with the ultimate prize of becoming African Women’s champions in sight.

In an audio recording shared with the media on Friday, the 57-year-old coach said: “I have full confidence that they will go out there and give everything they have to bring that trophy back to South Africa.” 

She repeatedly said the team would do everything possible to win the trophy. Several players in her dressing room already tasted success at the continental level after Mamelodi Sundowns’ triumph last year.

But Saturday will be a different ball game as they face a Morocco team who have equally advanced in the ladies’ game over the years. Again, they meet them on home soil with the backing of thousands of vociferous fans.

Banyana will be hungry to bag this one after missing out on the 2018 edition, losing after a penalty shootout against Nigeria. Ironically, their opponents on Saturday defeated Nigeria’s Super Falcons after another dreaded penalty shootout. 

Banyana Banyana goes into the final win with an untainted record, having won every match thus far in the competition. Ellis said everyone in her dressing room understood how big Saturday night’s assignment was and were ready. 

“When I look at the players now, they are so mentally focused, they are so happy and united. They want this trophy really badly. I thanked all of them personally for getting us this far and qualifying for the World Cup, but I told them to be ready for the final push.” Ellis told www.safa.net. 

“Tomorrow is their day to shine and bring that trophy back home. The atmosphere is going to be absorbing because of the home crowd, but I have full confidence in my players that they will bring the trophy to South Africa.” 

She added that players were fresh and raring to go. “The players are looking fresh and focused ahead of the final. We obviously travelled back after our semi-final and had a day off. We had a fun day. It’s all about getting the players ready for the game. 

“There isn’t a lot that we can do at this point in time apart from keeping them motivated, focused and sticking to our game plan. We have one more day today to dot our Is and cross the Ts, and then it’s the game tomorrow [Saturday], and we will be ready.”

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