‘We didn’t want to disappoint’ - emotional scenes as Banyana Banyana return home
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says her victorious players were driven by a desire not to disappoint their legions of fans back home.
Ellis spoke at a ceremony to welcome the squad back home after they won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Saturday.
Banyana Banyana beat the host nation 2-1 in Rabat.
“I tried not to cry,” Ellis told the crowd.
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“It’s very emotional, the fantastic support and the love that they have for this team. We also want to do it for the fans as well because they are an important component, they’ve shown Banyana so much love. The one thing we did not want to do is disappoint. We say thank you to the fans for their love and support. And we felt their prayers.”
#BanyanaBanyana coach Desiree Ellis says she was trying not to cry when they won the women’s Afcon. pic.twitter.com/foIJnQWNpJ
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) July 26, 2022
Banyana Banyana arrived to a hero’s welcome at OR Tambo International Airport.
Linda Motlhalo, who scored the winning penalty in the semi-final, told the media that winning the tournament was the only thing on the players’ mind.
#BanyanaBanyana Motlhalo says there was only one goal for the team and they achieved it. pic.twitter.com/aOM038t8V8
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) July 26, 2022
Banyana striker Noxolo Cesane says winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations left her speechless.
#BanyanaBanyana Twenty-one year old striker Noxolo Cesane (21) describes her feelings when Banyana won the sporting tournament. pic.twitter.com/ZN2Wzaumwe
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) July 26, 2022
President Cyril Ramaphosa is also expected to honour Africa’s champions at the Union Buildings on Wednesday.