Debutant Ronnel Donnelly has opened up on making her first appearance for Banyana Banyana during the win over Ghana in the first match of the WAFCON, and looks ahead to the next game.
South Africa began the defence of their WAFCON title on the front foot with a 2-0 triumph against West African foes Ghana in their first group stage match at Honneur Stadium in Morocco on Monday evening.
READ | Banyana sink Ghana in Wafcon opener
Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe scored in the first half to hand Ellis' charges a vital advantage.
The match also marked a Banyana debut for one Donelley, who was brought on in the 84th minute.
"It was actually very important because it was a must-win for us, and I feel like as a team, we did well. We fought together as a team, and we worked well," the debutant told SAFA media.
"We didn't give up until the last whistle."
"Now we don't put our heads down. We lift our heads up and just keep going. Stay focused and remember that this was just the first step. There is still a long way to go."
Born and raised in Wentworth, Durban, the 21-year-old plays her club football for the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
Donnelly was voted Player of the Tournament and awarded the Leading Goal Scorer at the 2024 Varsity Football Cup, among her many impressive milestones.
Reflecting on her first match, the rising star said the thumbs up from head coach Desiree Ellis had given her confidence in her ability.
"I was nervous because it was my first match [for Banyana]. I didn't expect to go on, but the fact that I did shows that I am doing something right at practice," Donelley added.
"That's good, it motivates me a lot. It shows me that there is a lot more that I can do. There is something in me."
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"Now I just have to work harder to give more caps.
"I didn't think I would be playing among the people I look up to, like Jermaine [Seoposenwe]. I look up to her in every way possible, and to play with her was an honour. I'm grateful to be here.
"Playing alongside her felt really good. It gave me hope, and it showed me that there is a lot I can learn from her. The fact that we both played at the same time, I was like 'damn, okay, I see something!'"
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