Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has come to the defence of her goalie Kaylin Swart after her mistake against the Netherlands contributed to their exit from the Word Cup Down Under.
South Africa lost their last 16 tie by 0-2 against the much-fancied Dutch opponents at the Sydney Stadium on Sunday.
Ellis is of the opinion that she could have had a more positive tale to tell had her strikers been more clinical with the chances.
The Cape Town-born Ellis has also pleaded with South Africans to spare a thought for Swart who according to her coach, still had a great game despite her blunder when the ball slipped through her hands.
“Look, yesterday we spoke about how to win the game and we needed to score more goals. We had a lot of opportunities, especially in the first half to kill off the game. Because we knew the quality of the Netherlands.
“We also knew that even when we conceded with a set-piece, the chances we created should have put us out of sight. But, that happens,” said Ellis.
“I think our goalkeeper had a fantastic game up until that moment. And I hope our people remember her for how she played, not for that one incident. In the end the legs were there for us to keep on pushing for the duration of the game.
“But they are going to be in the game and they are going to know that we are here. We spoke about underdogs, but I don’t think there are any more underdogs in this World Cup. Because of a decision here and there we could be speaking differently now.”
Ellis has made no secret of their intentions adding that Banyana have its sights firmly set on qualification for the next edition in 2027 – possibly on home soil as South Africa is bidding to host the women’s event as well after staging the showpiece in 2010.
“When we came the first time, we said we want to come back and we definitely want to come back in 2027,” she added. “I think this team has grown and one or two little things here and there and we could be celebrating now, but good luck to the Netherlands, we wish them well as they continue but I am very proud of this team,” Ellis concluded.
