Banyana Banyana head coach, Desiree Ellis said she's grateful for the opportunity she received from SAFA, were she was able to write history for the women's national team.
Banyana are through to the final of the Africa Women's Cup Of Nations competition, after their defeat over Mali, which subsequently saw the ladies book their spot in the 2019 Women's FIFA World Cup.
Read more: Ajax Announce New Head Coach
Speaking to the South African Football Association's official website, Ellis mentioned that she is grateful especially to SAFA president Danny Jordaan.
"My greatest gratitude goes to the South African Football Association, in particular, the president – first for giving me this wonderful opportunity to lead this amazing team, and secondly for the unlimited support to me and the entire team to ensure we prepare adequately for this historic moment. I remember at the press conference when I was announced as a head coach permanently after serving as an assistant for some, I said to the country qualifying for the World Cup is non-negotiable – I believed at that time, and thankfully the Association also believed, hence the support," Ellis said.
"Banyana Banyana has seen phenomenal growth in the last few years and we have become better in what we do because of the support of the nation. During this tournament, the millions of messages of support we have received and continue to receive have been pushing us to be the best we can. We are merely ambassadors representing our families, friends and the whole country in general. Women's football, and in particular Banyana Banyana, is now trending because of your support. Keep it going and let's make this a better place for the next generation of female footballers," she added.
