Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis says they will utilise every available date leading to the WAFCON tournament in Morocco in July this year.
There are only three calendar dates between now and the continental women’s championship, but South Africa is unlikely to have a friendly match as part of their preparations. The next international window is later month between 17-26, a date set aside for the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers.
South Africa has a bye during that period and will only play in the qualifiers in October in the second round. With time running out for a friendly match in about two weeks’ time, Banyana Banyana could instead hold a training camp. But Ellis was tight-lipped on the matter.
“Look, I cannot divulge much for now, but we will do everything to be ready for WAFCON,” said Dr Ellis.
The Capetonian adds that with 2025 being the year of the WAFCON, it’s not surprising that there are too many player movements in the Hollywoodbets Super League. Almost every team in the league has either lost or gained a player. Ellis says some players are trying to raise their hands to be in contention for Banyana Banyana selection.
The Capetonian also reflected on the individual winners at the 2024 Hollywoodbets Super League awards where Lebohang Ramalepe, Amogelang Motau and Khwezi Khoza walked away triumphant. They were named as Players’ Player of the Year, Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year respectively.
With South Africa still not in a strong position in terms of quality goalkeepers in women’s football, Ellis was excited that a new winner has emerged, Matshidiso Masebe of the University of Johannesburg.
By Matlhomola Morake
