Proud Banyana coach Ellis demands a pro league for women

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis demands a professional league for women following a stellar display at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Ellis addressed the press after Banyana’s 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands in the Last 26 of the global showpiece, as reported by Sowetan.

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The proud coach, Ellis has called on the government and the corporate sector to come on board to develop women’s game.

As the reigning African champions, Banyana defied the odds and managed to reach the knockout stages for the first time in World Cup history.

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PROUD ELLIS CALLS DEMANDS PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE

The coach guided her charges to an improved display at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

In Group G, Banyana drew against Sweden and lost to Argentina before stunning the Italians to seal a spot in the knockout stages.

“I think we need a professional league and for the players to come out and perform at this level against countries who play week in and week out against the top teams in the world, it shows we have talent,” Ellis told the media.

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“To the sponsors, I don’t know why you could ignore a special like this, I don’t know how you can assist in getting us to climb the ladder and assisting us to get better.

“So we urge the corporates to come on board, the government to step in and assist where they can push the corporates to come on board because it is not just our senior team but our youth team as well.

“What do you expect when you go to the tournament unprepared because of a lack of facilities?”

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ELLIS HEAPS PRAISE ON BANYANA, BUT WANTS PRO LEAGUE

While she came underfire for her decision-making between the goal posts from Banyana fans, keeper Kaylin Swart has received praise from Ellis.

The former Banyana skipper said Swart is working full time but managed to remain loyal to the team and helped to reach the Last 16.

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“We still have players like Kayli having a 9-5 job and having to train in the evening. I think that is unacceptable,” she added.

“For what this team has achieved, I think the corporates need to stand up and really take notice and be counted to say, ‘we are here.’

“Otherwise, we will come back in four years’ time and we will show the same thing because we could have gone further.”