Former Banyana Banyana captain, Amanda Dlamini is rooting for Banyana Banyana caretaker coach Desiree Ellis to become South African national women’s team coach.
This is despite the South African Football Association stating that Ellis can only be assistant coach, saying they need to appoint a more qualified mentor.
Dlamini was speaking after the launch of Walter Sisulu Challenge, where the coach was also in attendance.
Safa is targeting a FIFA accredited coach with international experience to take them forward.
Former Banyana coach Vera Pauw, did some good work with the women’s national team. Under her watch, Banyana played with more confidence and structure.
But, she failed to win the CAF African Women’s championship and the Olympics in 2016. Desiree was Pauw’s assistant coach then.
Dlamini, who was captain during Pauw’s tenure, believes Ellis is capable of taking the reins.
“I think it’s good to have coach Desiree in the national team set up if it is that we go with the notion of developing and grooming our own then i think she should be given an opportunity if she qualifies and obviously she’s done a great job of winning the Cosafa”
Since Desiree took over as Banyana caretaker coach, South Africa’s performance has improved. She recently guided Banyana to win the Cosafa title in Zimbabwe.
Ellis says she is determined to help the team.
“I cannot do the job in an interim basis, I’ve got to do the job as a coach and that is what I’m doing until I’m told differently. Obviously then I’ll continue. I cannot wait until whatever decision is made I will just carry on, I am already preparing for Sweden so if the new coach comes then the players will be ready,” says Ellis.
