South Africa's women's national football team, Banyana Banyana, has set up base in Bloemfontein ahead of their crucial 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifier first-leg clash against Madagascar. The team will face Madagascar at the Free State Stadium on Friday. Despite Madagascar being listed as the home team for the opening encounter, the fixture was moved to South Africa because the island nation lacks a suitable venue.
Head coach Desiree Ellis emphasized that her side will treat the fixture with absolute seriousness, warning against any complacency despite being ranked higher and having beaten Madagascar in their previous meetings in 2018 and 2019. Ellis stressed that securing a strong result in the first leg is vital not only to ease pressure ahead of the return leg on Tuesday next week but also to build momentum for November’s Fifa Women’s World Cup play-offs.
Ellis highlighted the importance of starting strong, stating that her team needs to "stamp their authority" from the first whistle and show why they are Banyana. She emphasized that the rankings don't mean anything and that it's 11 versus 11, and if they don’t take the game seriously, they could find themselves chasing the game.
Key overseas-based stars have already arrived in camp to boost the squad, including Thembi Kgatlana from Mexico, Linda Motlhalo from Scotland, Bongeka Gamede from Denmark, and Hildah Magaia from Saudi Arabia. Amogelang Motau from Mexico is set to arrive on Wednesday. However, Banyana will be without stalwart defender Bambanani Mbane, who has returned home to continue injury rehabilitation.
The squad features a blend of seasoned stars, recalled in-form players, and fresh talent, including a call-up for Siyamthanda Qashani after impressive performances for club TUT. Ellis said that the team has always been about refreshing the squad and bringing in newer, younger players, and it's not about age but finding the right balance and mix between youth and experience.
Madagascar requested that Friday's match be played behind closed doors without spectators, presenting a unique, spectator-free environment for the 2022 African Champions. However, Ellis urged the Bloemfontein faithful to come out in full force for the second leg on Tuesday to turn the Free State Stadium into a true fortress.
Ellis concluded that the team is using the Olympic qualifier two-fold, not just for the current game but also for the game in November. She stressed that keeping a clean sheet is really important because they know they’re going to create opportunities, and when they create those opportunities, they've got to make sure that they put the ball in the back of the net.
Key points
- Banyana Banyana will face Madagascar in the first leg of the 2028 LA Olympic Games qualifier at the Free State Stadium on Friday.
- Head coach Desiree Ellis emphasized that her side will treat the fixture with absolute seriousness, warning against any complacency.
- The team features a blend of seasoned stars, recalled in-form players, and fresh talent.
