Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis says she is looking for improvements in all areas when her side take on Australia in an international friendly in London on Saturday.
This is the third friendly for Banyana since being crowned African champions and it is part of preparations for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia.
Banyana lost twice against Brazil at home (0-3 and 0-6) and Ellis wants better from her charges this time around.
“Obviously we made a lot of mistakes so we are looking for an improved performance in all areas,” she told local journalists.
“Be better defensively, when we are on the ball manage it really well, be better in decision making, and of course in the final third as well to be better than we were against Brazil.”
The coach would also like for her side to minimise mistakes saying they have been working or being better organised in defence.
Ellis says a good result does matter, however, an improved performance is key, she is also happy to have some players back in the team like Gabriela Salgado, who missed the WAFCON due to injury.
“Yes, it’s great to have Gabby back. She’s not the only one coming back from injury even though she missed WAFCON,” she added.
“We also have Sibulele [Holweni] coming back. We also have Robin Moodaly coming back from injury, so it’s very fantastic to welcome some of the players who were injured for a while. So, we are really looking forward to seeing them playing.
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Meanwhile Salgado told iDiski Times that though she knows it’s the coach’s decision to start her or not, she is feeling confident she will get some minutes in the game.
“I’m feeling confident and excited and I can’t wait to see how the game goes on Saturday,” the JVW Girls star said.
“Hopefully I can be on the starting line-up, if not I’m looking for a few minutes to come on but I’m confident that I have worked hard and I should have secured my position coming back into the squad.”
Story by Lethabo Kganyago (@KganyagoLee).
