Banyana Banyana have made South African history!
The South Africa national women’s football team, nicknamed Banyana Banyana (The Girls) will play in next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in France after storming into the final of the ongoing 2018 AWCON tournament in Ghana.
Head coach of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana, Desiree Ellis has entered the history books by being the first coach to lead the South African Senior Women’s National Team to a FIFA World Cup.
Ellis, who is a former player and captain of Banyana Banyana, and also ex-assistant coach, says it all boils down to teamwork and good preparation but believes their World Cup qualification comes as no surprise as they have played the most enterprising football in the competition so far.
South Africa brushed aside Mali 2-0 in the semi-final of the 2018 Women’s AFCON to secure their spot at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France in June.
Ellis also holds the record of winning the COSAFA Women’s Championship as both player and coach.
Banyana Banyana also qualify for the World Cup 20 years after Bafana Bafana played their maiden tournament in France in 1998. Already qualified for the World Cup are hosts France, China, Thailand, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Chile, Spain, Italy, England, Scotland, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Canada, USA, Jamaica, Netherlands, Argentina, and Nigeria.