Banyana Banyana's Desiree Ellis admits it took her "two days to answer" all the congratulatory messages back home from South Africa after making history by reaching the knockout stages of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Ellis' Banyana side now are set to face a stern test against the Netherlands in a Round of 16 clash at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
READ | Banyana clinch historic World Cup last 16 spot
"I think it's [support from South Africa] been crazy, it took me about two days to respond to all the WhatsApp messages," Ellis said.
"When you looked at all the videos going around, kids were not going to school, they were watching the matches.
"In the office too people were watching our matches and I think it has really given a lift to everyone back home.
"People got up early in the morning to watch the matches and this put a smile on their faces, and that has really changed in our country.
"The expectations are now really high, but I think we are up for it."
Meanwhile each player will receive a windfall bonus payment of over R1 million for reaching the knockout stages of the tournament, an increase from the R550 000 allocated for appearing in the group stages.
Kick-off is at 04:00 (SA time).
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