Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis believes that the Proteas women cricket team can go all the way in the Women’s T20 World Cup hosted in SA next month.
The Proteas will kick-start their world cup campaign in the group stages on February 10 against Sri Lanka at Newlands, Cape Town. They will then face New Zealand, Australia and Bangladesh. Cricket SA will make the squad announcement tomorrow in East London.
The importance of the World Cup cannot be understated, there's excitement around it and huge expectations for the Proteas to perform as the host team. Ellis, who played cricket growing up, hopes this World Cup can plant a seed of hope in young girls.
"It’s allowing the girl child to be whatever she wants to be, she can say that if she can then I can. It gives the girl child hope and creates opportunities for the girl child to dream big," Ellis told Sowetan.
The Banyana trainer put her faith in Proteas mentor Hilton Moreeng, saying his side can win the World Cup as they have the qualities to win a major tournament in them.
“I know coach Hilton... we always send each other messages when in competitions, so they will be prepared," Ellis said.
“I’ve been following the cricket team for a while, and I think the level of professionalism they bring to the table is something else. You don’t see it until you see it in upfront, and that’s why they are ranked with the best in the world.
“The mentality they will bring and togetherness will make the difference. They have the talent, there are no two ways about it. It takes winning the trophy to set them apart from the rest.
“I’m putting my head on the block and will say they will come very close to winning it because it’s such a fantastic team.
“A lot of their players play abroad in the Big Bash League and our players are in top positions in the ranking. Yes, the expectations are high, but I believe that this is one world cup they can win.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.