Khabo Zitha on recently concluded Banyana Banyana European tour

Coach Desiree Ellis’ charges participated in two international friendly matches against Denmark and England, losing both matches respectively.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Zitha says the national team needs to maintain its philosophy to secure positive results as they continue to rebuild the squad ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

"First game we didn't do well because I think we need to keep our philosophy as possible as we can. If we are playing against tall opponents, we need not play lofted passes, or long balls because the only time you play long ball it benefits us when it reaches Thembi but Thembi also needs the support, closer to her so that they can be able to share the ball amongst the two strikers, the Breadwinner [Hildah Magaia],” Zitha said.

“I think over and above the performance was not up to the level that we have expected because the break as well, the long break in between. I think we can do better, we can play, we can compete, psychologically we can stay in the field of play for the duration of the game.

“So, I think if we can only maintain the philosophy, play the game to the best of our ability, playing the ball to feet than playing those long balls."

Zitha believes that Banyana’s European tour highlighted the challenges faced in women’s football here at home, stating that the Hollywoodbets Super League needs to professionalized for the standard of football to improve.

READ: SAFA target another top opponent for Banyana Banyana

"We cannot just have Hollywood [Hollywoodbets] on its own standing there and saying they are sponsoring the league yet there are still teams that are struggling in terms of traveling,” she added.

“We need the other businesses and sponsors and companies to come into this program because if we want the best, we need their intervention because if you want to compete against the best in the world in big tournaments, we need their intervention as a motivation factor, to motivate the players.

“So, that even the grassroots can know that I need to play from these grassroots to get there so that I can be a professional player. So, over and above, we need help and we cannot depend solely on Hollywood [Hollywoodbets]."