Ellis thrilled by Seoposenwe’s Banyana return | Breaking News

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis is pleased to have one of her key players back in the team.

Portugal-based attacking midfielder Jermaine Seoposenwe has not played for the South African national team in almost three years, but she is expected to make her long-awaited return after being named in the final squad for the upcoming Africa Women Cup of Nations that is set to take place in Morocco next month.

In 78 international appearances, the 28-year-old has scored 16 goals for the Cosafa nation who will be looking to dethrone the Super Falcons of Nigeria in the upcoming continental showpiece.

Speaking to the media after announcing her final squad on Monday afternoon, Ellis said there was nothing sinister about her absence in recent games, but it was just a few technicalities that resulted in her not featuring for Banyana.

“I’ve been in contact with Jermaine since last year, she came for the Netherlands game in January and, unfortunately, it was cancelled when we had all those positive Covid-19 cases.

“She couldn’t come to the Aisha Buhari Invitational Cup in Nigeria, and we all know the reasons why she couldn’t travel – her documents were not in order.

“We were under the impression that she could play in Europe, and she was not able to do that.”

She concluded by explaining that despite not having her on the team, she was always keeping tabs on her performances at the club level.

“Jermaine has been on fire at her club. She is scoring goals regularly and creating for others as well.

“You can see it at training, the winning mentality she has and what she brings because Jermaine is so versatile.

“She is streetwise, but more than that she brings a lot of quality, a lot of determination and a winning mentality- that’s what we need from players such as Jermaine.”

Banyana will take on Nigeria in the opening clash on the 4th of July before facing Burundi on the 7th.

They will finish the group phase with a battle against Cosafa neighbours Botswana three days later.

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