Desiree Ellis on the impact of overseas-based stars in Banyana squad

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has highlighted the impact overseas-based stars have on the national team.

There are a number of Banyana stars who play their football abroad and are doing well for their respective clubs.

These include the likes of Noko Matlou [SD Eidbar], Linda Matlhalo [Glasgow City], Sinoxolo Cesane [East Tennessee State], Jermaine Seoposwe [C.F Monterrey], Hilda Magaia [Sejong Sportstoto WFC], Thembi Kgatlana [Racing Louisville] and Refiloe Jane [Sassuolo].

According to Ellis, these stars help the team to perform to the best of their ability. They play for top teams and play alongside some of the best players in the world.

THE IMPORTANCE OF OVERSEAS-BASED PLAYERS AT BANYANA

“It’s very important we see when they [overseas-based stars] come and play, we see the mentality that they bring, we see how they raise the levels, and then everybody is going to come to that level,” said Ellis.

“That has really helped the team, they have this never-say-die attitude, and they bring everybody along with them.

“With Thembi scoring, with Linda now playing Champions League, that really helps. It just pushes that level a little bit up.

“It also motivates the players in the Hollywood Bets League and other players to want to say I want to be there.”

WHAT DESIREE ELLIS WISHES FOR BANYANA BANYANA STARS

Ellis hopes many Banyana stars can get the opportunity to go play abroad in the near future.

“Hopefully, there will be more opportunities that will be created for the ones back home. The ones currently in the national team, maybe there will be more opportunities for them going abroad,” he added.

The 2022 WAFCON champions will be back on the field for the first time since the World Cup when they take on the USA. The two teams will play back-to-back matches on 21 and 24 September, respectively.

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