I know it wasn’t just me that was taken aback, somewhat offended by the revelations made by the Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis about the ‘ill-disciplined’ goalkeeper Jessica Williams.
Ellis, who was rather surprised when she was called up to the stage to share a few words at Safa Cape Town’s annual awards ceremony recently, made no bones about Williams’ so-called amateur attitude for someone that has been in the set-up so long and yet not a Banyana Banyana cap to her name.
The national coach lambasted the 25 year-old goalkeeper over the fact that she dropped her and the national team after being called up in the past as well as issues about her weight and fitness or the lack thereof to the audience which was really surprising.
I felt somewhat bad for Williams as Ellis rambled on…So, initially this conversation would probably not have been shared however Ellis’ actions of late has now somewhat morally compelled one to highlight this.
Ellis shocked me to the core when she selected Williams – a week after throwing her under the bus and calling her out – for her 23 player squad for upcoming friendlies against Jamaica.
That said, Williams’ selection should not be devalued as she has been brilliant at the Cosafa Cup and definitely forced Ellis to bring her back to the national set-up.
Williams’ fantastic goal from almost the half line also did her big favours coupled with her aerial ability under the high ball.
Remember the outcry when former Minister of Sport Fikile Mbulula publicly crucified former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs – much to the dismay and irritation of many, especially Capetonians.
So much so, that there were even utterances about apologies to Josephs. So, should there not be an equal outcry for Williams?
Don’t get me wrong, nothing personal against Ellis and she knows all too well the level of respect between us. That said, Ellis will deep down realize that in hindsight it was probably best to have said as little as possible.
Less is sometimes more, especially when unexpectedly asked to share a few words. Don’t be a smarty pants then you end up with your foot in your mouth.
One Response
Whether you are the Minister of Sport or the Coach of Banyana Banyana, diplomacy fuelled by a lack of emotions, is imperative. Bad performances of players must at all times be viewed as a private matter. Others who have dared to do what Mbulula and Ellis did, were either ruthlessly removed from office, or severely reprimanded. It’s unfortunate that a public platform was used for a matter which should have been resolved long ago, privately. I assume, that power corrupts, as people in power, [in the aforementioned cases] are wrongly convinced that they are correct in ranting outside the confines of “the camp”. Jessica Williams should never have been castigated so mercilessly, without forgetting the occasion.
I’m extremely disappointed in Desiree Ellis’s verbal explosion, as she, harmed her own reputation.
May this never happen to any sportsperson.