Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says her players are “so excited that their dream is coming true” as they prepare for the Fifa Women’s World Cup with South Africa’s first match against Spain on 8 June in Le Havre.
“When I look at the group, they’re very excited. They realise the moment has arrived and that their dream is finally coming true.
“This group is very competitive as they know what’s at stake. It’s their time to shine.
“We’re new at the World Cup. We’re going out there to show why we deserve to be here. Nerves might take over on the day of the game, so we will have to manage that extra energy.”
The squad is in Rouen, in the North of France and will face another World Cup rival Norway on Sunday in Amiens in the final preparation match.
Ellis adds: “They’re a very physical side. We want to focus on rotating the ball and not giving possession away and minimising our mistakes.”