Ellis rewrites history books as Banyana qualifies for World Cup

The cap – Banyana Banyana l & # 39; head coach Desiree Ellis became the first coach to lead the South African Women's National Team to a country Fifa World Cup.

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Ellis, a former player and captain of Banyana Banyana, and also a former badistant coach, says it all comes down to teamwork and good preparation.

South Africa swept Mali 2-0 in the semi-finals of CAN AFC Women 2018 their place at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2019 in France in June.

Ellis also holds the record of victories at the COSAFA Women's Championship as a player and coach.

"It's a win for all of South Africa," Ellis said. "Despite all the great support they have given us throughout this tournament and who believe in us.

"It is also for the former coaches who played a role in this team, all the players who played their role, as well as for the coaches of the Sasol League and our sponsors who supported us.

"Everyone was beautiful, the players, the staff, the technical team and the people who do not get the mention because everyone played a role.

Ellis preferred to showcase the team as she described her feelings for becoming the first coach to lead Banyana Banyana to a World Cup.

"It's never about me, it's always about players and the team, individual rewards and honors come as a bonus.You are in the job of making a difference and more than anything, it's about people who have plunged into my life. "

By helping Banyana Banyana to qualify for France, Ellis joined the group of elite coaches from South Africa who performed the same feat before her – Solly Luvhengo (U-17 Women – 2010 Trinidad and Tobago), Molefi Ntseki (U-17 Men – 2015 Chile), Clive Barker (Bafana Bafana – France 98), Thabo Senong (U-20 Men – 2017 Republic of Korea), Simphiwe Dludlu (U- 17 Women – 2018 Uruguay).

Banyana Banyana also qualifies for the World Cup 20 years after Bafana Bafana played her first tournament in France in 1998.

The following countries have already qualified for the World Cup: France, China, Thailand, Australia, South Korea, Brazil, Chile, Spain, Italy, England, Scotland, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Canada, United States, Jamaica, Netherlands, Argentina and Nigeria.