'Foreign legion' thrills Ellis

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis is thrilled that many players in her team have joined the 'foreign legion' and are improving their skills, which will benefit the national team. Ellis's remarks come after striker Ode Fulutudilu signed for Malaga in Spain, while midfielder Leandra Smeda was snapped up just recently by Swedish Damallsvenskan outfit Vittsjo GIK after spending some time in Lithuania.Also based overseas are the duo of vice-captain Refiloe Jane and Rhoda Mulaudzi (Australia), as well as Thembi Kgatlana and Linda Motlhalo (US). The likes of Amogelang Motau are still studying and playing football in the United States, while Kaylin Swart, Jermaine Seoposenwe and Kelso Peskin have returned home after completing their studies abroad. Fulutudilu played in Finland before her move to Spain, having started with Red Roses in the Sasol League. She was in the Banyana Banyana squad last year when they played two matches against Chile in October and she got a run in the second half of the second game. “This is certainly good news for women's football in South Africa to have players making a move abroad as this will most certainly benefit Banyana. If you look at nations like Nigeria and Cameroon, most of their players are abroad and that is why they consistently qualify for big tournaments, and we should also do the same,” said Ellis. “We are extremely proud that Ode has made a move to Spain, and Leandra to Sweden where they will have an even better opportunity to improve on their games. These are some of the good leagues for women's football and we are confident they will do well. This is a bonus as this happens in the World Cup year, and we believe these will open doors for other players to be spotted.” Her sentiments were echoed by the president of the South African Football Association (Safa), Danny Jordaan, who said: “It gives us great satisfaction that Banyana is represented around the world, and this recent phenomenon can only mean that as an association we are doing something right with women's football.” The South African women's national team is currently on a break and will resume camp late next month, when they start preparations for the Cyprus Women's Cup, which takes place from 27 February to 6 March. NAMPA/ANA

'Foreign legion' thrills Ellis

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-19

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'Foreign legion' thrills Ellis

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-19

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