After their historic run at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Desiree Ellis, head coach of the South Africa women's national football team, has urged sponsors to step up and support the group.
With a 3-2 victory over Italy in the group stage, the squad, also known as the Banyana Banyana, earned its first-ever World Cup victory. They advanced to the round of 16, where they were defeated by the Netherlands.
According to Ellis, the team's performance has demonstrated that South Africa has a big thirst for women's football, and she has asked sponsors to support the sport.
I don't know how you can disregard something so unique, she stated to the sponsors. "Our team is performing at a high level, and we are seeing results. In order to continue inspiring young girls across the nation, we need your assistance.
Ellis emphasised that many of the Banyana Banyana team members still need to work regular 9–5 jobs to make ends meet. By giving the players financial backing, she claimed that sponsors could contribute in changing that.
"We need to be able to give our players the chance to concentrate solely on football," she stated. We can only achieve our entire potential in that way, she said.
Additionally, Ellis urged the government to take more action to promote women's football in South Africa. According to her, the government must help increase opportunities for females to play football by helping to subsidise the sport more generously.
She remarked, "We need the government to support women's football. "This is a sport that has the potential to strengthen our nation and empower women at the same time."
We've demonstrated our ability to compete against the greatest in the world, she remarked. "Now, we need to be given the resources to be able to take it to the next level."
The Banyana Banyana's World Cup triumph has significantly improved women's football in South Africa. The team's sustained success is anticipated to entice more sponsors and the government to support the sport.