Ellis welcomes growing squad options after Banyana Banyana’s 4-0 Olympic qualifying win

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis says the team’s expanding player pool is an important step towards the future after South Africa began their 2028 Olympic qualifying campaign with a 4-0 victory over Madagascar.

The second-round first-leg win at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein gave Ellis the opportunity to introduce several less experienced players, as she responds to calls for a squad overhaul following a disappointing WAFCON in Morocco.

Ronnel Donnelly was the standout performer, scoring her first hat-trick for Banyana Banyana. Siyamthanda Qashani and Zoe October also made appearances as Ellis managed the squad in the absence of some senior players and with her side already holding a comfortable advantage.

Ellis said the result underlined the importance of developing alternatives while retaining the experience of established internationals.

“A lot of players who were expected to play didn’t play,” Ellis said. “So, we have to look and see what we have going forward. We have to give other players, who haven’t played, an opportunity. We have to trust and believe in the squad. Otherwise, what are they doing here?

“It’s really important that we have a look at them and what they have to offer. A regular like Bambanani (Mbane) is currently in rehab, so we have to make sure that we have other players ready to take up that spot if someone is not available for whatever reason.”

Although Ellis recognises the need to prepare for the future, she does not intend to discard the senior players and expose newcomers without support. Instead, she believes a balance between experience and emerging talent is required, as demonstrated in Bloemfontein.

With Banyana Banyana already close to reaching the third qualifying round, which will take place early next year, Ellis is expected to give further opportunities to new players in the second leg against Madagascar at Toyota Stadium on Tuesday night (6pm).

The match will also allow her to assess different combinations and tactical approaches ahead of the World Cup qualifiers later in the year, when South Africa will face unfamiliar opponents from across the globe.

Ellis was particularly encouraged by the way two experienced players adapted to unfamiliar roles in the first leg. Linda Motlhalo operated as a No. 6, while Noxolo Cesane played as a 10.

“It showed against Madagascar in the first leg with Linda (Motlhalo) playing as a No. 6, and Noxolo (Cesane) playing as a 10, that we have players who can step up when other senior players are not around,” Ellis said.

“A lot of these players have been with the team for a while now, so they understand and know what they should be doing. They’ve been given an opportunity, and now the pool gets bigger. The core group gets bigger, and that’s exciting.”