Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis faced the cameras on Thursday ahead of Friday evening’s blockbuster clash between Nigeria and South Africa.
One of the topics she touched on during the pre-match press conference was her close relationship with two legendary Super Falcons players, Mercy Akide and Florence Omagbemi, who are widely regarded as trailblazers in Nigerian women’s football.
Ellis had to open up on her relationship with the iconic Nigerian players to drive home her point that the rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa is only on the pitch and has been blown out of proportion in the media.
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The Cape Town native also pointed out that she has a professional relationship with Super Falcons’ American football tactician Randy Waldrum.
“I don’t think there’s any else untold because I’m great friends with Mercy Akide, great friends with Florence (Omagbemi),” Ellis told reporters.
“I speak to Randy quite often not about Nigeria and South Africa of course but other matters. The rivalry stays on the pitch.”
Super Falcons striker Uchenna Kanu and Bayana Bayana’s Linda Motlhalo will put aside their friendship when they step out on to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Friday evening,
Kanu and Motlhalo are teammates at National Women’s Soccer League team Racing Louisville FC.
“I speak under correction but great friends with Nigerians, Linda plays with (Uchenna) Kanu, so if there’s any malice there, I don’t think the team will do well,” Ellis added.
