Banyana Banyana interim coach Desiree Ellis insists she and her technical team are looking to raise the bar even higher with the national side.

Ellis, assisted by the likes of Maud Khumalo and Cheryl Botes, admits the position has been a long-term ambition of hers.

‘When you are young you dream of playing for your national team, and for me it happened when I was 30. Then you dream to coach your national team and it’s more than a dream come true that it has happened, I am living the dream,’ she told Safa.net.

The former Banyana Banyana captain also insists she is confident she can lead the team forward.

‘The only way you can change the mentality of those who don’t believe in us is to get good results, and get the team to play positive football, to win matches,’ she explained, before crediting former coach Vera Pauw for her impact on the side.

‘During my playing days we just did things, but what I have learnt from her is that everything comes down to the small details. I spoke to her the other day and she said, jokingly, that I should not try to be her. She went on to say I know you can do it.’

Banyana are set to face Egypt in an international friendly on Saturday at the Dobsonville Stadium.

Kick-off is at 15:00.