How Sundowns Ladies’ success benefit Banyana Banyana |

Banyana Banyana mentor Desiree Ellis has explained how Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ progress and success in continental competitions and domestic league benefit the South African Women’s National Team.

This comes after Ellis weighed in on Sundowns’ 2022 season incredible run as the Tshwane giants were crowned the Hollywoodbets Super League champions this past Saturday.

As the defending champions, Sundowns Ladies walked away with a silver medal at the 2022 CAF Women’s Champions League as they lost their title in the final to Moroccan side ASFAR Club last month in Rabat.

However, the red-hot Brazilians ended the campaign on a high note after thrashing Richmond United 4-2 in their last fixture of the Super League at home.

The mouthwatering showdown got the three-time CAF Women’s Coach of the Year, Ellis on cloud nine, describing the match as a “high-octane clash.”

DESIREE ELLIS IMPRESSED…

“The game was a very good advert for women’s football as both teams were involved in a high-octane clash which featured end-to-end action,” Ellis told Sundowns’ media department.

“Richmond Ladies were very formidable, but Sundowns Ladies raised their game after the break and their quality came to the fore.

“It was a hugely enjoyable match and just like the fans, I enjoyed every moment of it.”

The 59-year-old coach has since commended Banyana Ba Style for continuing to produce quality players which play a significant role in Banyana’s progress ahead of the next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup set to take place in Australia and New Zealand.

SUNDOWNS’ IMPACT ON BANYANA…

Sundowns players’ impact on the national team has proven to be of paramount importance as the Chloorkop’s quintet of Andile Dlamini, Karabo Dhlamini, Bambanani Mbane, Thalea Smidt and Melinda Kgadiete were part of Ellis’ WAFCON winning squad three months ago.

“It is always a good headache to have several exciting players who are doing well for their clubs because it provides us with numerous options to choose from,” Ellis added.

“We are consistently following the progress of the Hollywoodbets Super League and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies have done very well in developing highly talented footballers.

“We have seen the progress of players like Lelona Daweti, Khutso Pila, Tiisetso Makhubela and several other impressive youngsters. The future looks very bright for Mamelodi Sundowns.”

Ellis further congratulated Masandawana and everybody involved in the club’s success.

“Big congratulations to Coach Jerry Tshabalala, his technical team, the support staff and of course the players,” she said.  

“I also commend the chairman of the club [Tlhopie Motsepe] for his vision, leadership and continuous support of women’s football in South Africa.

“Mamelodi Sundowns as a club have consistently raised the bar and I hope other teams follow suit and invest in women’s football in South Africa.”

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