Ellis gives veteran Ramalepe freedom to roam forward

WHEN Banyana Banyana scored four unanswered goals against Mali in their final Group C match of the Caf Women’ Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) on Monday, the world of football surely felt that the team that they have come to know had finally arrived in Morocco but coach Desiree Ellis was more impressed by veteran defender Lebohang Ramalepe.

- MALIBONGWE MDLETSHE

The 33-year-old walked away with a Player of the Match award after two assists and a goal in Oudja to send the defending champions to the quarterfinals against Senegal on Saturday.

That match will also be played at 9pm after the match between Algeria and Ghana at 6pm.

Ramalepe, one of the legends of Banyana and South African women's football with over 100 caps for the national team, has played all three group matches at wingback a more forward role than her usual right back.

Ellis had nothing but praise for the player known affectionately as “Rama” in football circles.