"We're not underestimating any team" - Desiree Ellis confident ahead of World Cup opener

She's led them to the World Cup, she's led them to WAFCON glory, and now Desiree Ellis is back on the world stage leading South Africa to a second successive World Cup. The Banyana Banyana head coach discusses her career, how things have changed in the 30 years since her debut and how the African Champions are shaping up ahead of the World Cup. This interview was recorded before Banyana Banyana's boycott of their friendly against Botswana which is why the podcast didn't discuss any of the issues around the team that emerged. Host: Alasdair HoworthGuests: Firdose Moonda (women's football editor in chief), Desiree Ellis (head coach of South Africa women's national team) #FIFAWWC #BanyanaBanyana #LiveTheImpossible #BeyondGreatness Follow us on IG: @otw_podcastFollow us on Twitter: @otw_podcastLike us on Facebook: On The Whistle Podcast Show Notes00:00 - Intro02:33 - World Cup preparation05:07 - Banyana carrying SA flag high07:53 - "Africa is a gold mine of talent"10:03 - Some progress post WAFCON but not enough12:14 - 30 years on from Ellis' own debut14:40 - Playing in Banyana's first ever match17:07 - Losing her job because she played for South Africa18:12 - Desiree Ellis the door-to-door saleswoman20:55 - Advantages of growing up playing with boys22:38 - How she got the "magic" nickname24:17 - Receiving the Order of Ikhamanga26:57 - Could South Africa host the next World Cup?29:58 - How the different generations grew women's football in South Africa34:06 - Former players need to stay involved in football26:30 - Helping players to develop as people42:10 - What comes next after the World CupDuration: 45:15 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.