Tag Archives: Banyana Banyana coach

Banyana Banyana eyeing victory against Tanzania

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Picture: Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE  

10 July 2025- Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis said is expecting nothing, but a win from her charges when they face Tanzania in their second match of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on 11 July 2025, at the Oujda Stadium in Morocco.

Kick-off for this encounter is 9pm SA Time (8pm local time in Morocco).

Both teams came into this fixture on the back of contrasting results – the South African senior women’s national team defeated Ghana 2-0 on 7 July, while Tanzania lost 1-0 to Mali in the other Group C clash played on the same day.

It’s been 17 months since South Africa faced the East Africans, where Ellis’ charges won at home and away (0-3, 1-0) in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games qualifiers in Dar es Salaam and Mbombela respectively. But Ellis said that is all in the past as the Twiga Stars are desperate for victory to stay alive in the 2024 WAFCON.

“Victory will see South Africa move a step closer to qualifying for the knockout stages. Obviously, we want to get a win to cement our place in the second round. The last group stage match will determine who goes top, but we have seen in the matches over the last couple of days that there are no easy games.

“We have played Tanzania before, but that goes out of the window, it means nothing. We also know that they need to win to stay in the competition, so we need to make sure that we don’t concede because we are going to create opportunities and then take those opportunities,” she said.

Ellis further said they need to be a lot more clinical in the attacking third when they are there. She added that they had a couple of chances against Ghana that could have sealed the game, and they hit the crossbar after that.

“We need to concentrate a lot more on what we need to do to make sure we get those things right. To be honest, it’s going to be a tough one, we have played them before. What Tanzania needs in this competition is a win to keep them in the run and help them out of the group stage.

“As a team, we just need to stick to our game plan. I have played against them, while at Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies in the Champions league, so it is going to be a tough one. We know each other and it’s like we are friends. However, we are not friends,” said Ramalepe.

Tanzania coach Bakari Shime has admitted that they have their work cut out against the defending WAFCON champions. Shime said this is the first time the East Africans return to the WAFCON after an absence of 15 years.

“We last played in the 2010 edition and bombed out in the group stages. This is a different match from the opener against Mali. South Africa are the defending champions, and it is not easy to play against them.

“But, we are well prepared to play against them according to their ability. I will give them much respect on the field and they will give them much respect, and then we’ll do everything carefully,” he said.

Shime said they lost two matches against South Africa in the 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers, but if you remember those matches, you will recall Tanzania’s performance in both games. He said yes, they are the defending champions, more experienced than them and they take every caution in this game.

Meanwhile, Ghana will go toe-to-toe with Mali in the other Group C match to be played at the Berkane Stadium.

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All systems go ahead of Banyana clashes

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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – AUGUST 02: Hildah Magaia of South Africa celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s second goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group G match between South Africa and Italy at Wellington Regional Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

By OBAKENG MAJE

28 May 2025 – Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis and her Botswana and Zambia counterparts met at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Tuesday ahead of the highly anticipated #ThreeNations Series featuring the three countries. The #ThreeNations series, which serves as vital preparation for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco in July 2025, kicks off today in Atteridgeville, with Banyana Banyana squaring off against Botswana’s Mares at 3pm.

Ellis, Botswana’s head coach Alex Malete and Zambia’s Nora Häuptle, are happy to test themselves against their neighbours as part of their preparations.

The three COSAFA countries, who have all qualified for the upcoming continental tournament, are using the series to test combinations, assess readiness, and fine-tune tactical details ahead of WAFCON in July 2025. Ellis spoke about the value of facing two strong opponents, and how the series will reveal where the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team currently stands in their preparation journey.

“This will help us to see what we still need to work on. As I said, ever-improving Botswana and Zambia, who’ve been to back-to-back Olympics, bring that level of experience. As Coach Nora mentioned, having their U17s qualify for back-to-back World Cups also adds to that. We’ll have to test where we are and what still needs refining,” she said.

Botswana’s Malete welcomed the challenge of facing two strong teams, noting the importance of these matchups for his side’s development.

“These two games come at a time when we really need them, and against the two best teams in Africa. It’s all about refining the details. We had a short camp ahead of these matches, so we’ve been working on team tactics. After the games, we’ll review the videos and work on the finer details,” he said.

Zambia’s Häuptle, whose side only flew today due to political unrest back home, thanked her staff for ensuring the team could travel under challenging circumstances.

“We look forward to facing South Africa and Botswana – all three of us are WAFCON-qualified, and this will be a good test,” she said.

Zambia will open their #ThreeNations campaign on 31 May, against Botswana, before closing the series against Banyana Banyana on 3 June 2025, also at Lucas Moripe Stadium. All matches in the series will kick off at 3pm.

Meanwhile, tickets for the matches are available on Ticketpro, priced at R40 for adults and R20 for children. The #ThreeNations Series not only celebrates top-tier African women’s football but provides crucial match minutes and preparation for all three nations ahead of one of the continent’s most prestigious tournaments.

South African fans are encouraged to come out in numbers to support Banyana Banyana as they defend their continental crown. Ticketpro – Banyana Banyana vs Botswana – 28 May 2025.

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Banyana Banyana coach, Ellis to be inducted into the South African Hall of Fame

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Picture: Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 November 2024 – Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis will be inducted into the South African Hall of Fame this month. The revered Women’s Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach – who led the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team to the continental title in 2022 in Morocco – will be inducted with several figures from South African football on 20 November 2024.

According to the South African Hall of Fame, Ellis and her fellow inductees are “legends”, who have shaped the history of South African football and will be celebrated in a grand ceremony that recognises their unparalleled contributions both on and off the field.

Distinguished guests from across sports, entertainment, and government, including prominent figures in the world of football, will gather to honour these champions whose legacies have inspired generations. The event will pay tribute to their accomplishments, from the victories that brought South Africa to the forefront of international soccer to their continuous influence on the sport and society.

The inductees include legends such as former Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba, erstwhile South African senior men’s national team captains Neil Tovey and Lucas Radebe, and the legendary Patrick “Ace”Ntsoelengoe, Jomo Sono and Nelson “Teenage” Dladla.

Ellis said she was humbled by the honour and thanked SAFA, her players, her support staff, Sasol and numerous other people who have contributed to her growth over the years.

“I am truly humbled and blessed. A big thank you to the South African Hall of Fame for the induction. A big thank you to the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Sasol for the unwavering support. I have to also say a very big thank you to the Banyana Banyana players and the staff, because we always speak about teamwork.

“We always say that individuals will get recognition, and I’m just blessed that I’m one of those individuals. I’m really, really happy and really excited,” she said.

Ellis further said this is a very high honour, and she is very appreciative of it to be with a group of such esteemed individuals. She added that to her family, who’ve always been there to support her, thank you very much, and she is just so blessed.

Meanwhile, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan said Ellis has continued to be a shining beacon and a huge ambassador for South African football.

“We are immensely proud of Desiree, and this is such an honour. This recognition is truly well-deserved. She is someone who continues to inspire a lot of people from different walks of life.

“She is someone that many aspiring players look up to, someone that aspiring coaches look up to and someone whose impact is felt across different sporting codes,” he said.

Previous inductees include former South Africa President Nelson Mandela, legendary golfer Gary Player, the 1995 and 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok teams, Dr Kaizer Motaung, and most recently, dozens of Team South Africa Olympic Medallists.

The Induction event will be hosted at the Montecasino Ballroom.

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Banyana Banyana coach announces squad for international friendlies against Senegal

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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – AUGUST 02: Hildah Magaia of South Africa celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s second goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group G match between South Africa and Italy at Wellington Regional Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

By OBAKENG MAJE

Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis has announced her squad for the two international friendly matches against Senegal in the coming days. Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champions, Banyana Banyana will play two away international friendly matches against Senegal during the FIFA break in their backyard on 31 May and on 4 June 2024.

“I think October last year really showed what a core group is all about, when we had so many players missing because of injuries, exams and visa issues. We are always looking at the depth and the versatility within our team, and we have made some changes to the squad for the upcoming fixtures against Senegal.

“I think this selection presents an exciting opportunity for us to assess and explore the potential of other players within our core group. We are not only investing in the future of the team, but we are also providing opportunities now for all players to grow and to contribute to the success of the team,” she said.

Ellis further said they are really look forward to seeing the players in action on the field and they are excited about what they can bring to the team. She added that, the purpose of the trip is to utilize the FIFA dates and stay active in preparation for the WAFCON when CAF confirms the dates of the tournament.

Ellis won the Women’s Coach of the Year accolade at the COSAFA Awards a few days ago after seeing off competition from Zambia’s Bruce Mwape and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ Jerry Tshabalala.

The highly decorated Banyana Banyana coach was also conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology last month. The revered Ellis received the honour on 25 April 2024 in Cape Town.

The next WAFCON will be held in Morocco, but the dates of the start of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana’s defence of their continental title are yet to be announced.

Meanwhile, the Sasol Group and Sponsorship, Dean Somerset said: “This team consistently demonstrate strength and determination, to excel at the highest level of the women’s game.

“We have full confidence that they will approach this upcoming game with the same vigour as they continue to be the epitome of our sponsorship mantra, #LiveTheImpossible.”

Somerset said they would like to congratulate the squad chosen to represent Sasol Banyana Banyana in the upcoming international friendly against Senegal.

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Banyana Banyana ready to face Nigeria

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Picture: Banyana Banyana players against Nigeria

By OBAKENG MAJE

Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis said they are now better than what they displayed in Nigeria. Ellis said this ahead of the much-anticipated match between Banyana Banyana and Nigeria.

“South Africa and Nigeria will lock horns in the second leg of the CAF Women’s Olympic qualifiers on Tuesday evening at Loftus Versfeld. With the away goal rule removed from the equation, there is no doubt that it will be do or die.

“You will remember that we came back with a defeat in Abuja, Nigeria, but we remain adamant that our side still has a chance to go to Paris for the 2024 Olympics. So, we are looking forward to the game today,” she said.

Ellis further said they have looked at the footage of their first game as well. She added that they know we are better than what we showed in Nigeria. We can do way better than that, and I think the second half showed how well we can play. It is a match we have to win,” said Ellis.

“We have to put everything into it to make sure that we get the goal early to be able to kick-start from there. We know it won’t be easy, Nigeria got the one goal advantage and we have to prepare for every eventuality.

“Sinoxolo Cesane who could not travel with the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana to Nigeria, is the only change in the squad ahead of the game today. Beyond the magnitude of the encounter, BanyanaBanyana defender Lebohang Ramalepe will get her 100th cap should she make an appearance,” she said.

The match will kickoff at 19:30pm and will be LIVE on SABC 3 and SuperSport 209.

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Banyana Banyana ready to face Nigeria 

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Picture: Banyana Banyana players celebrating

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis has announced a preliminary 30-member squad for the highly anticipated fourth round CAF Women’s Olympic qualifier against Nigeria next month. Ellis said the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s team is two games away from qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. 

She further said this comes after beating Tanzania 1-0 (aggregate 4-0) in a second leg third round CAF Women’s Olympic qualifier at the Mbombela stadium in Mpumalanga last month. Ellis added that her charges will go into camp on 25 March 2024 in preparation for the showdown against their long-time rivals.

“The final 23-player squad will be finalised for the Olympic qualifier when we name the team later this month. The venue for the home leg of the mouth-watering clash will be communicated by the South African Football Association (SAFA) in the coming days.

“Wendy Shongwe was withdrawn from the preliminary squad list due to injury. Kholosa Biyana was also not considered as she suffered an injury during the Olympic qualifier against Tanzania last month,” she said.

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