Banyana’s Ellis sets sights on victory in DR Congo

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis sets her sights on a victory as they meet the DR Congo on Wednesday.

Banyana and Ellis are involved in a crucial Olympics qualifier against the DR Congo whom they visit on Wednesday.

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Speaking ahead of the clash, Ellis says despite the weather conditions away from home, Banyana are ready to battle it out against the Congolese.

BANYANA’S ELLIS SETS SIGHTS ON VICTORY IN DR CONGO

The reigning African champion, Ellis adds that they are ready for the match as they have already arrived in the DRC.

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While the team is without the likes of Nomvula Kgoale and Tiiesetso Makhubela who are injured and Bongeka Gamede who is busy with her exams – Ellis is confident they will do well.

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“We are looking forward to the game, but it’s very hot and humid. But we will be ready for the game,” said the Banyana manager.

“We have come in before in a very short period of time, traveled and played. I think a lot of players know each other from playing with and against each other.

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“It is just about fine-tuning some things and making sure that we start well in the away leg. And to make sure that we get a good result so that we make our home game easier.”

BANYANA MENTOR ON FACING CONGO IN ARTIFICIAL PITCH

The South African understands that the two teams, Banyana and the DR Congo will lock horns in an artificial pitch, but Ellis is unfazed about the situation.

“I think it’s probably the first time in a long while that we played on Turf. There is only one team in the Hollywoodbets Super League that plays their games on Turf which is Richmond Ladies,” she adds.

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“But I think it’s the same for them as well, they have a couple of players playing in Europe.

“I’m not sure where the rest of the players play, but this is the national stadium. They (DRC) have played a game or two before on Turf, we just have to adapt really quickly.”

After the first leg away from home on Wednesday, Banyana will welcome the central Africans in a return leg at Orlando Stadium on Monday, 30 October.

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