Banyana banyana growing their pool of players ellis

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Banyana Banyana, the South African national women's football team, has been making significant strides in recent years, and one of the key factors contributing to their success is the growth of their player pool.

Under the guidance of coach Desiree Ellis, the team has been working tirelessly to develop young talent and provide opportunities for players to showcase their skills. Here are some ways Ellis has been growing the pool of players:

1. Youth development programs: Ellis has been instrumental in establishing youth development programs, which focus on identifying and nurturing young talent from grassroots level. These programs have helped to identify and develop players who can potentially represent the national team in the future.
2. Increased participation in international tournaments: Participating in international tournaments has given Banyana Banyana exposure to new opponents, coaches, and playing styles. This has helped Ellis to identify areas for improvement and to develop strategies to counter different opponents.
3. More games and competitions: Ellis has ensured that the team plays a minimum of 20 games per year, which has helped to increase the players' match fitness and experience. This has also given her the opportunity to experiment with different formations and player combinations.
4. Injury management and rotation: Ellis has been proactive in managing injuries and rotating her squad to ensure that players are given opportunities to rest and recover. This has helped to prevent burnout and maintain a high level of performance throughout the season.
5. Player development camps: Ellis has organized regular player development camps, which focus on specific aspects of the game, such as goalkeeping, defense, and attacking play. These camps have helped to improve the players' technical skills and tactical awareness.
6. Collaboration with clubs and coaches: Ellis has built strong relationships with coaches and clubs in South Africa, which has enabled her to identify and develop players who are performing well at club level.
7. Increased investment in women's football: The South African Football Association (SAFA) has invested more in women's football, which has enabled Ellis to have a larger pool of players to choose from. This increased investment has also led to improved facilities, coaching, and resources for women's football.

As a result of these efforts, Banyana Banyana has seen a significant increase in the number of players who are capable of representing the national team. Ellis has been able to select a strong squad for international tournaments, which has contributed to the team's success on the pitch.

In the 2020 Olympic Games, for example, Banyana Banyana finished third, their best-ever finish in the tournament. The team's success has also led to increased recognition and support for women's football in South Africa, which is a positive step forward for the sport.