Ellis on why retiring Banyana veteran deserves flowers

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis heaps praise on retiring veteran and ex-skipper Janine van Wyk, saying she deserves her flowers for her role and contribution.

Ellis showered Van Wyk with praise as she will hang up her boots, and the Banyana veteran is credited for her role in women’s football.

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At the same time, Banyana are set to face DR Congo in two crucial Olympic Qualifiers and Ellis has named her 24-member squad.

ELLIS ON WHY RETIRING BANYANA VETERAN DESERVES FLOWERS

When Ellis named her squad on Thursday, she said the Banyana veteran will be honoured with a testimonial match ahead of her retirement.

Moreover, the former Banyana skipper, Ellis says she has studied their next opponents as she set her sights on qualifying for the Olympics.

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“Janine has led the team with aplomb for so many years and she did it while wearing her heart on her sleeve. I used to say that if I had 10 Janines on the pitch,” said Ellis per The Citizen.

“She was someone that never gave up and that still resonates in the national team, of never giving up.

“If you look at what Janine has done, not just for the national team, but for women’s football in the country, I think it is only fair that she gets her flowers.”

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The Olympics qualifiers are set to serve as the final call-up for former van Wyk, who announced that she will be hanging up her boots after many years of playing football.

The 36-year-old defender has played for Banyana at the 2012 London Olympic Games and at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

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Furthermore, she was also part of the WAFCON winning squad in Morocco in 2022 but missed out on the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

ELLIS SHARES ANLYSIS ON BANYANA OPPONENTS DRC

The coach who led Banyana to CAF African Women’s Nations Cup glory last year adds that DR Congo could be a handful but she has done her homework.

She puts emphasis on doing well and being clinical in the opening 20 minutes against an opponent that is expected to be physical.

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“We also know what their strengths are, and we have to make sure that we take control of the game,” adds the Banyana coach.

“I think the first 20 minutes will be key, and we have to make sure we do not concede.”

The South African also reported that the co-owner of JVW Ladies FC has represented Banyana for more than 180 matches.

Banyana will meet DRC 25 October away from home before hosting them at Orlando Stadium on 31 October.

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