Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has likened the upcoming WAFCON semi-final clash against Nigeria to a Soweto Derby clash between arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
The Wafcon defending champions are set to take on nine-time cup winners the Super Falcons on Tuesday evening for a spot in the final of the continental showpiece.
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Encounters between Nigeria and South Africa have historically drawn plenty of eyeballs both on the pitch and off it, with the two nations considered among the heavyhitters of the continent.
Speaking to media ahead of the clash, Ellis was asked if the younger players in the squad were aware of the intensity of the rivalry between Banyana and the Super Falcons.
The four-time CAF Coach of the Year explained the two teams were all too familiar with one another, and the rivalry between the two sides could be likened to that of Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates - a clash that ranks as one of the most-watched derbies in the world.
"I don't think we need to communicate anything [to the players]," Ellis responded.
"It's like a Chiefs - Pirates derby, where you know who you are playing against. The players know the strength of Nigeria. The players know who Nigeria is."
So I don't think they need any motivation. The motivation is obviously the semi-final. So I don't think you would need motivation. As young as you are, you would have played Nigeria at youth level as well, so you know the rivalry that there is.
"So I think the motivation is there. Not just playing against Nigeria, but playing a semi-final."
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Banyana walked away winners the last time the two teams met at a Wafcon, but Ellis insisted that past results will count for little on the day.
Pressure is a part of the game. Pressure happens when you get a call-up to the national team because now you are at a different level.
"Each game is different. It's a completely different game, a completely different tournament. It's three years down the line," Ellis added.
Results in the past tell you that you can, but it doesn't mean that it will happen now.
So we are not looking at past results, we are looking at the now. We know it will be a difficult game, like every game at Wafcon."
The semi-final clash is scheduled to kick off at 18:00 (SA time).
Photo: Banyana Banyana
