Motlhalo wants more from Banyana Banyana after 4-0 Olympic qualifying win

Linda Motlhalo says Banyana Banyana must improve despite taking a commanding 4-0 lead over Madagascar in the first leg of their second-round Olympic qualifying tie.

South Africa secured victory at the Free State Stadium on Friday in a match played behind closed doors, after Madagascar requested that no spectators be allowed.

Ronnel Donnelly scored her first international hat-trick, while veteran forward Hildah Magaia added the other goal to give Banyana Banyana a significant advantage before Tuesday’s return fixture.

Madagascar moved the match to South Africa because they do not have a venue accredited by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The second leg will also be played at the Free State Stadium at 18:00 on Tuesday, but supporters will be permitted to attend because it is now Banyana Banyana’s home fixture.

“It was a really good job from the ladies, but we hold ourselves to high standards, so I think in terms of how we played, we can improve,” Motlhalo said.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done but I am happy that we won the first leg.”

South Africa coach Desiree Ellis selected a youthful starting line-up for the opening match, with experienced players including Thembi Kgatlana and Amogelang Motau beginning on the bench.

Motlhalo welcomed Ellis’ decision to introduce younger players to the squad and give them playing time.

“This is what we want, a mixture of new and old players so that new players can get experience,” she said. “It’s good seeing them getting some minutes.”

Victory in the tie would send Banyana Banyana into the third round of qualifying, which is scheduled to take place in February and March next year. The remaining 16 nations will compete at that stage.

The fourth round is due to be played in October next year, with the final phase scheduled for a month later.

Only two African teams will qualify for the 2028 Olympics, which are scheduled to take place in Los Angeles from 11 to 29 July.

Banyana Banyana are seeking to return to the Olympic Games for the first time since 2016, when they made their second appearance at the tournament in Rio de Janeiro. Their Olympic debut came in London in 2012.