Interim head coach of the South African senior women's football team, Desiree Ellis insists that losing to Sweden was a blessing in disguise.
Speaking to Soccer Laduma, Ellis noted that the defeat to the Scandinavians was a much-needed dose of reality as the South Africans set to prepare for their qualifications to Africa Women's Cup of Nations scheduled for November and next year's World Cup.
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In between that Banyana also have the upcoming 2018 edition of the Cyprus Women's Cup which will begin late February and end in March.
"We needed to see where our weaknesses are. The more we are exposed is the more we learn and prepare," said Ellis speaking to the crew.
"I would rather we get exposed in international friendlies so that by the time we play in the qualifications and the tournaments we are much more prepared. That's why we chose to play a strong nation like Sweden. We knew they would stretch us and reveal our weaknesses. You can only prepare with strong opposition as this makes you stronger," added the Banyana caretaker coach.
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The squad is expected to begin their preparations for the Cyprus Cup where they have been drawn in Group C alongside Hungary, Slovakia as well as Trinidad and Tobago.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that Ellis is currently in talks with the South African Football Association's leadership over her job at the helm of Banyana.
