JOHANNESBURG – Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says there’ll be no room for complacency from the team that will participate in the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (Awcon) in Ghana from November 17 to December 1.
Ellis is expected to announce her official squad early next week.
Banyana are high on confidence after recently defending their Cosafa Cup title in PE.
“It’s all about raising your hand,” she said. “We want to make sure that that there’s no complacency. If you’re complacent, the tough job will be telling you that you didn’t make the squad.
“When you hadn’t made the Cosafa squad, and you went back and did some work, and you came back and we see the difference now, then who are we not to select you?”
South Africa are in Group B alongside Nigeria, Zambia and Kenya.
With the tournament consisting of eight teams – which also includes Ghana, Cameroon, Mali and Algeria – only the top three finishers will qualify for the 2019 World Cup in France.
At the 2016 Awcon, Banyana failed to book a global showpiece ticket. Ellis is convinced there won’t be a repeat.
“The previous year that we’ve had, together with its preparations, does not mean success, but they help a lot. The proper execution of our plan is the most important thing,” Ellis said.
“Playing Nigeria in the first game spices things up a bit. But we’ll be ready because when you go to a tournament, you want to win it.
“And we are not different, because we want to secure a spot in the World Cup.”
Action from @Banyana_Banyana training session in Johannesburg #limitless #afcon2018 @SAFA_net @SasolLeague @SasolSA pic.twitter.com/wqBeO0YmQL
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) October 30, 2018
Vice-captain Refiloe Jane is expected to arrive on November 6. Jane recently joined Australian outfit Canberra United together with Rhoda Mulaudzi.
On debut, Mulaudzi scored the opening goal in their 2-0 win over champions Melbourne City after being assisted by Jane.
However, Ellis believes Mulaudzi needs to find more consistency before she can be considered for selection.
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