Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis believes has shared her views on what needs to be done to help the women’s game grow in the country.

The majority of Ellis’ squad ply their trade in the Hollywoodbets Super League (HWBSL), with the core made up of players from reigning five-time champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.

The top women’s league got a major cash injection when Hollywoodbets agreed a sponsorship deal with the South African Football Association (SAFA) in 2021 and the partnership was renewed in 2024.

SABC is still the only broadcaster for the HWBSL and very few matches are televised on its channels, and that is just one area where improvements can be made, according to Ellis.

“We need quality sports fields, and to strengthen the Hollywoodbets Super League. More games need to be televised to have more people watch the games,” Ellis told SABC Sport in an exclusive interview.

“There needs to be greater investment in the sport, we need more sponsors to help professionalise the league and take the game to the next level.”