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Ellis looks to build Banyana's depth as bigger challenges await

Building a squad capable of handling the demands of international football requires more than having a strong starting eleven, and Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis is using every opportunity to ensure her team has the depth to compete when it matters most. Amogelang Motau on educatin and football


South Africa's 3-0 victory over Madagascar at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday completed a 7-0 aggregate win in their Olympic qualifying tie. Beyond securing their place in the next round, the two matches gave Ellis an opportunity to assess her players, experiment with different combinations and see how her less-regular players responded.

Ellis made six changes to her starting line-up for the second leg as part of her broader plan to strengthen the squad ahead of important international assignments.

The coach believes giving players opportunities now will prove valuable when injuries, unavailability or tactical changes force her to look beyond her established core of players.

“It's through playing that you get all of that experience,” Ellis said, highlighting the importance of giving less-experienced players opportunities to grow at international level.

That approach was evident against Madagascar, with Banyana showing patience after a frustrating first half in which they struggled to convert their chances. Lelona Daweti called up to Banyana Banyana

Despite controlling possession, South Africa went into the break without a goal. Ellis felt her players were rushing their attacks instead of moving the ball quickly enough to create openings against Madagascar's deep defensive block.

The response after half-time was more convincing. Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado opened the scoring in the 46th minute before substitute Ronnel Donnelly struck twice to seal the victory.

Donnelly finished the two-legged tie with five goals, underlining the attacking options available to Ellis. However, the coach believes there is still room for improvement in front of goal.

“If we can be more clinical in front of goal, we'll get more results,” Ellis said.

While missed opportunities remain an area to address, the two victories provided Banyana with a confidence boost ahead of their upcoming challenges.

“Winning always gives you that confidence. Scoring goals, keeping a clean sheet also always gives you that confidence,” Ellis added.

South Africa scored seven goals without conceding across the two matches, giving Ellis positive signs as she continues to build a squad capable of adapting to different opponents and situations.

With the next round of Olympic qualification approaching, the challenge will be to carry that momentum forward while ensuring Banyana have the right balance of experience, versatility and emerging talent for the tests ahead.


Writer: Lindokuhle Smile

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