Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis was in jubilant mood after leading her team to glory at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.
Banyana became the queens of Africa following their 2-1 win over the hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Saturday evening.
Hilda Magaia scored a brace in the second half while Rosella Ayane netted for the Atlas Lionesses.
Ellis’ team won the continental title after having failed five time before, losing to the Nigerian Super Falcons three times and Equatorial Guinea twice.
“It’s been a long time coming. Even me as a player I got a silver in 2000 when we played the tournament in South Africa. We lost to Nigeria,” Ellis remarked.
“A lot of coaches and players before, tried, today was really special. You know when we walked and we saw the crowd I was not perturbed. I thought we played really, really well. The goals were well taken. I think the players were special.”
Meanwhile, Banyana were named the CAF Women’s National Team of the Year and their goalminder Andile Dlamini walked away with the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.
