Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has praised her team despite their elimination from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Banyana conceded an early goal following a corner, and lost Jermaine Seoposenwe and Bambanani Mbane to injuries in the first half but gave the 2019 runners-up a proper run for their money – especially in the latter stages of first half.
Thembi Kgatlana proved a constant danger point but Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domesellar, who was named Player of the Match, kept her side from conceding.
“I can only say one thing, if their goalkeeper gets Player of the Match, what does that tell you,” Ellis said on SuperSport TV.
“Yet, once again we created chanced and we made errors in critical phases but I’m very proud of these players, they gave their all today and they know that they were in the game.
“They came here to put up a fight and put up a game. In the second half, the tiredness and fatigue came in but we still tried to create a few opportunities.
“But South Africa can be very proud of this team.”
Ellis also said that her team are aiming to be back at the world stage in 2027 after a much-improved display in their second World Cup appearance.
“When we came the first time we said we want to come back. [And now again] we definitely want to come back,” she added.
“I think this team has grown and one or two little things here and there and we could be celebrating now, but good luck to the Netherlands, we wish them well as they continue.
“But [I’m] very proud of this team.”
