Cup of Dreams a good way to prepare for season, says national coach

By
Staff Reporter
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Zara Louw of Burnley, left, and Hout Bay’s Caryn van Ryneveld in a race during the Cup of Dreams tournament at William Herbert, at the weekend. Picture: Mark Ward

Mark Ward

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis was a welcomed guest at the Spurs Women FC’s Cup of Dreams football tournament, which took place at the William Herbert sports field in Wynberg at the weekend.

Ellis’s presence comes just days after she and her team returned victorious after winning the Turkish Women’s Cup.

The tournament was part of her side’s preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will jointly be hosted by Australia and New Zealand during July and August this year.

Ellis, former player and coach of Spurs WFC, is also aware of the importance of the Cup of Dreams tournament and the talent that can be found and expressed her delight with the organisers’ resolve to stage the event for the next generation of women footballing talent.

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis at Spurs Women FC’s Cup of Dreams football tournament, at the weekend. Picture: Mark Ward

“It is gratifying to see how the tournament has become so popular in a short time. The tournament also serves as preparation for the season ahead,” says Ellis.

Andiswa Ndamane, left, of Hout Bay and Farushka Stuurman of Burnley in action during the Cup of Dreams tournament at the William Herbert sportsground, at the weekend. Picture: Mark Ward

Meanwhile, Roses were crowned as the third new champion after beating Cravenby 4-0 in the final.

Defending champions, the UWC Ladies, withdrew due to other commitments. Nova Nacional was the very first champion of the tournament

Jody Mathews of Hotspurs and Gaileen Rose of Heideveld tussle for possession during the Cup of Dreams tournament played at the William Herbert sportsgound at the weekend. Picture: Mark Ward

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