Latest news with #DesireeEllis
IOL News
16 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Defending champions Banyana Banyana will adopt a fresh perspective at the 2025 WAFCON
Banyana Banyana will defend their WAFCON title but despite their standing, they will merely rank among the challengers at the 2025 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations from 5-26 July, in Morocco. While the team will look to build on their historic victory in 2022, the South African national women's football team is entering the tournament with an eye on contention. Speaking at Friday's press conference, Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis said, 'We are there as defending champions. But more importantly, we are going there as a contender. Like everyone else. And what happened in the past is in the past; it's a new tournament.' This refreshing perspective underscores the team's commitment to approach the tournament with a focused mindset, acknowledging the developments in the women's game in countries across Africa. Ellis emphasised the importance of taking it one step at a time. 'The game has evolved. Countries have evolved. They have put in investments. So we are going there as one of the contenders,' said Ellis, adding the team's approach would remain consistent: 'We're going to take it day by day, like we did in the past. And game by game.' This clear strategy reflects Ellis's understanding of the tournament dynamics. She highlighted the crucial role of the opening match, stating: 'The first game is the most important. In 2018 and 2022, the first game is the most important because it sets the tone for the rest of the tournament.' Ellis emphasised the need to manage player fatigue as the tournament progresses, hinting at a tactical rotation of players to maintain freshness during the latter stages. 'It (the opening match) also sets the tone for when we can rotate players and make sure that when it gets to the latter stages of the tournament, the players are fresh,' she said. With its blend of experience and new talent, Banyana Banyana promises not just to be a force as defending champions but as a team determined to make their mark against an ever-evolving backdrop of women's football in Africa. Coach Desiree Ellis will announce the final squad of 21 players on Monday, alongside two additional players who will remain on standby. Ellis praised the contributions of Jermaine Seoposenwe, who announced her intention to retire from the national team following the upcoming WAFCON. She conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to Seoposenwe, acknowledging her significant impact on the team while also respecting her decision to step away. In another notable absence, the renowned striker Thembi Kgatlana will not participate in the WAFCON squad due to 'personal reasons'. Kgatlana, currently playing for Tigres UANL Femenil in the Mexico Women's Premier League, has been a vital contributor to the success of the team over the years, making her exclusion a significant blow for Banyana Banyana. The team departs for Morocco on Tuesday, 24 June. Banyana Banyana will play in Group C alongside Ghana, Tanzania, and Mali. Banyana Banyana's provisional WAFCON Morocco 2024 squad: Goalkeepers: Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, Dineo Magagula, Casey Gordon Defenders: Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Shakira O'Malley, Gabriela Salgado, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Bongeka Gamede Midfielders: Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, Noxolo Cesane, Bongiwe Thusi, Adrielle Mibe, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana Forwards: Hildah Magaia, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Nthabiseng Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma, Ronnel Donnely
News24
a day ago
- Sport
- News24
Banyana may be minus Thembi, but not belief in search of another Wafcon title
Banyana Banyana head to the 2025 Wafcon without star striker Thembi Kgatlana. She is absent for personal reasons, echoing her injury setback in 2022. Coach Desiree Ellis remains confident in her squad's depth and urges new heroes to emerge in Kgatlana's absence. It was 10 July 2022 - a night loaded with expectation. Banyana Banyana were 20 minutes away from securing a crucial point against Botswana that would see them finish top of their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) group. It would have meant a potentially smoother path to the final - that was the plan. But, in the 71st minute, on the lush grass of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the dream wobbled. Thembi Kgatlana - Banyana's heartbeat and star forward - went down after a challenge, showing signs of immense pain. Stretchered off, the scene sent shockwaves through the camp and everyone back in South Africa as well. READ | Banyana's Seoposenwe to retire after Wafcon: 'The best decision for my well-being' The fear was immediate. The mood turned. For many, it felt like Banyana's chances had limped off with her. Ten minutes later, her substitute, Nthabiseng Majiya, found the net. The nerves were calmed, and the mission stayed alive. And somehow, even without their attacking spearhead, Banyana pressed on. It was later confirmed that Kgatlana had ruptured an Achilles tendon, which ended her participation at Wafcon and sidelined her for up to six months. There were still doubts that Banyana could do it, but Kgatlana's absence somewhat inspired the kind of belief only South Africans can conjure. And yet, from that chaos, rose calm once more - and then glory. Despite the loss of their star, Banyana fought past Tunisia in the quarter-final, edged Zambia in a bruising semi, and shocked hosts Morocco in the final to become queens of the continent. Fast-forward to June 2025 - and, once again, the continent turns its gaze towards Morocco when the Wafcon tournament kicks off from 5-26 July. The champions return, but Kgatlana does not. This time, it's not injury - it's for 'personal reasons'. And when head coach Desiree Ellis names her 23-woman squad on Monday, one of South Africa's most gifted forwards will not be on the list. The circumstances are different, but the absence just as significant. And again, questions swirl. Can Banyana go all the way without her? Can lightning strike twice? History suggests they are more than capable. But with Morocco again the stage, the challenge is no less daunting. Banyana Banyana coach Dr Ellis trims her preliminary WAFCON squad from 46 to 28 players. #LiveTheImpossible @SABC_Sport — Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) June 8, 2025 For Banyana, the mission is clear: defend the crown, silence the doubt, and do it all, once more, without their star. 'It is a tough one to accept. But we respect her reasons and understand,' Banyana goalkeeper Kayla Swart told reporters. 'Like Jermaine Seoposenwe [who announced her retirement after Wafcon], Thembi has given her all for this team. 'We know her presence is still felt and is still known in the squad. It's going to be tough, but I think we have players that are capable to lead the front. 'Hopefully, everything she's done has rubbed off onto the youngsters.' Swart is expected to be named in the squad on Monday and is likely to retain the number one jersey, continuing as Banyana Banyana's first-choice goalkeeper, a position she has made her own in recent years through consistent performances. Her leadership and calm presence at the back have become vital for the national side, especially in high-stakes fixtures. Alongside her, midfielder Amogelang Motau has also emerged as a key voice within the squad, and she echoed Swart's sentiments on the impact of missing the influential Kgatlana. 'She mentioned the reasons why she is not here is personal,' said Motau. 'A lot happens behind the scenes in football that leads people to make such decisions, and we have to respect that. 'With a player of her profile, it's a bummer that she's not here, but here are players who are willing to step up, and I think that's a great opportunity for them.' Ellis, however, who has been at the helm of Banyana for nearly a decade, has witnessed Kgatlana's rise and evolution into one of Africa's most dangerous attackers. Yet, she is equally aware of what her team can accomplish without their star forward. That belief is rooted in their triumphant 2022 Wafcon campaign in Morocco, where Banyana lifted their first continental title, despite losing Kgatlana to injury during the tournament. It was a defining moment that proved the squad's resilience and depth under Ellis' leadership. 'Yes, losing any player, and a player of Thembi's quality, is a huge loss,' said Ellis. 'You don't want to lose your top players. We have to respect that. I support whatever her personal reasons are, but we know she will be back bigger and stronger. 'In 2022, we had players step up when Thembi got injured - and, when Thembi got injured, the country went into mourning. 'But we had planned and prepared for different scenarios. We had planned and prepared for different eventualities, and everybody stood up. 'And now it's an opportunity for somebody else to step up again.' Banyana's path to defending their Wafcon crown begins in Group C - a pool laced with history, hunger and hidden danger. Opening against Ghana on 7 July in Oujda, South Africa face a side steeped in tradition, still chasing their first continental title and desperate to shake off the tag of nearly-there. Then comes Tanzania on 11 July - a spirited, fast-improving outfit, whose return to the big stage is powered by belief more than reputation. It's a group that offers no favours, but for a battle-hardened Banyana under Ellis' steady hand, it's a platform to assert dominance and prove that the 2022 triumph was no fleeting miracle, but a declaration of the grit and defiance that runs deep in South African veins.
CAF
6 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
WAFCON D-18: South Africa reverses its fate
Published: Tuesday, 17 June 2025 The countdown continues for the CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024. As anticipation builds for the tournament's 13th edition, looks back at some of the most memorable moments in the competition's history. Today, we spotlight South Africa's historic triumph in the 2022 edition. Just 18 days to go until the 2024 CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Four times finalists, four times broken. But in Rabat, on July 23, 2022, South Africa broke the curse. Banyana Banyana finally lifted their first Women's Africa Cup of Nations by dominating the host country, Morocco (2-1). A liberating victory, awaited for more than 20 years, in an electric atmosphere. "This title is for all those who have failed before us," said Desiree Ellis, her eyes misty, after the final. The former captain, who became coach in 2016, symbolises the perseverance of a group that has often stumbled to the top (1995, 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018). This time, the march held. Hildah Magaia, impeccable in the last move, was the detonator. A brace in eight minutes (63rd, 71st) to blow up Moroccan hopes. Rosella Ayane's equaliser (80') did not change anything: South Africa finally had their star. "We had a plan. And above all, we were furious," confided Magaia, icy in her efficiency. The 2022 AFCON was one of control: 6 wins in 6 games, 7 goals scored, only 3 conceded. A solid collective, carried by the Magaia-Kgatlana duo (5 goals between them), a disciplined defence, and a goalkeeper, Andile Dlamini, voted best of the tournament. More than a coronation, it is a deliverance. South Africa is no longer chasing its destiny. She holds it.
CAF
7 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
From history makers to title defenders: Coach Desiree Ellis on Banyana Banyana's next chapter
"We are not defending the title — we are evolving as a team" "Unity of purpose was the key to our WAFCON triumph" "We never wasted a loss — every setback became a lesson" With just weeks to go before Morocco kicks off the highly anticipated TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations finals, all eyes will be on defending champions South Africa and their head coach, Dr Desiree Ellis. As the reigning CAF Women's Coach of the Year — a title she has now claimed an unprecedented four times — Ellis continues to redefine excellence in women's football. Under her guidance, Banyana Banyana achieved a historic milestone by winning their first-ever TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in 2022. As the team prepares to defend their title in Morocco, the very same nation where she guided the South Africans to their first ever continental title, Dr Ellis opened up to CAFOnline about the tournament's preparations and the standard of the women's game in Africa. South Africa begin their title defense with a tough task of navigating their way past Group C consisting of Ghana, Mali and Tanzania. : Coach, you led Banyana Banyana to a historic first-ever TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON title. What was the key to that incredible campaign? Desiree Ellis: That historic WAFCON victory with Banyana Banyana was the culmination of years of consistent planning, trust in the process, and belief in the players. If I had to identify the key to that campaign, it would be unity of purpose. Everyone, the players, the technical team, and the support staff bought into the same vision. Our journey began years earlier. We identified key players early, built a core group, and consistently exposed them to high-level competition. We had come close before — losing in the 2018 final — and that pain fuelled us. We learned from our mistakes and came back mentally tougher. Each staff member played a huge role behind the scenes and during the tournament. Our teamwork was the biggest factor Ultimately, it was belief: That belief carried us all the way to the title. How would you describe the team's current preparations? Are there specific areas you're placing extra emphasis on? Our current preparations are very intentional and focused. We're not approaching this as defending champions looking to repeat — we're approaching it as a team that wants to evolve and reach a higher level. Success can make teams complacent. We've been working on building depth across all positions, as versatility will be key. We will work on our tactical refinement in making sure we are defensively sound on our set pieces, and we will also be working on game management. Last time's success earns you nothing this time. We respect our past, but we're laser-focused on the future, sharpening every part of our game to ensure we arrive at WAFCON not just as champions, but as contenders who've grown. Consistency has been a hallmark of your tenure. What have you done differently to maintain such high standards with the team over the years? Maintaining consistency at the top level, especially in international football, is never accidental. What we've done differently over the years with Banyana Banyana is focus on sustainable excellence, not just short-term results. We've invested heavily in continuity. We are always looking to refresh the squad continuously, as well as making sure we get as much information as we can on our opponents. We also look back at what we have done in tournaments and how we can change it. We never wasted a loss. Whether it was the heartbreak of 2018 or tough World Cup matches, we turned every setback into a lesson. You've won the CAF Women's Coach of the Year award four times – an extraordinary feat. What keeps driving your passion and hunger for success? Thank you — those awards are deeply humbling, but for me, they're not the destination. They're just milestones along a much bigger journey. Coaching Banyana Banyana isn't just about football. It's about representing South African women, showing young girls across the continent that they belong in sport, in leadership, and on global stages. Every step we take forward opens the door a little wider for the next generation. I see the sacrifices these women make, the challenges they overcome, and the pride they carry every time they wear the jersey. There's nothing like it. That feeling in the final, the national anthem playing, everything on the line. Or the quiet after a loss, asking hard questions, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. But it's never really been about me as an individual; our teamwork has been key, as everyone plays a huge role in what and how we do things. The technical team has played a huge role in all of this as they do most of the work behind the scenes, but are also key on match day with their invaluable inputs. In your view, how has the landscape of women's football in Africa evolved since you first took charge of the national team? The evolution of women's football in Africa since I first took charge of Banyana Banyana has been nothing short of transformational. The growth hasn't just been in one area — it's been across the board: technically, tactically, structurally, and culturally. It's been incredible to witness, and even more fulfilling to be part of that journey. When I started, many national teams in Africa were still treating women's football as an afterthought. Today, we're seeing Full-time contracts for players in some countries and Federations investing in resources, facilities, and qualified coaching staff. All the different zones have regular competitions, and most countries are utilising every FIFA window. You have the CAF Women's Champions League, and from the different winners, you can see that the investment and level of competition have improved. Teams like Zambia, Morocco, and even Botswana have shown they're no longer underdogs — they're football teams with identity. More African players are playing in top international leagues — in Europe, the U.S., and beyond. This exposure has raised the standard and brought back knowledge and professionalism into their national teams. We're seeing bigger crowds at WAFCON and women's league matches. More media coverage and broadcast support, and corporate sponsors are finally recognizing the value in the women's game. The gap is closing quickly. Every match is a battle, and no result is guaranteed, which is great for the growth of the game. But the work isn't done. Better youth development, as our female youth teams must have the same qualification set up as they do for the boys, as some get to play one round, and after they are knocked out, that's the end of the campaign. We also need to focus on sustainability: stronger leagues and consistent investment, because the talent is here, and the future is bright. Are there any emerging talents or new leaders within the squad who fans should be watching closely in this year's tournament? Absolutely — one of the most exciting things about this current Banyana Banyana squad is the blend of seasoned experience and fresh, hungry talent. While our core leaders like Refiloe Jane, Jermaine Seoposenwe, and Andile Dlamini still provide vital stability and leadership, there are several emerging players stepping up, both in performance and personality. We never really talk about individual players, but teamwork as players, then shine within. Although Karabo Dhlamini has been to WAFCON and two World Cups, she has grown into a natural leader at the back line. Bongeka Gamede is not a new face, but this tournament could be her moment. She has matured into a composed and reliable, and versatile player. Looking back, what were the biggest lessons you and the team learned during the victorious WAFCON 2022 campaign? Looking back at the 2022 triumph, the emotions are still fresh. But alongside those moments of glory came some of the most valuable lessons we've ever learned as a team. That tournament was about more than lifting the trophy — it was about growth under pressure and trust in identity. Here are the biggest lessons we took from that journey: We didn't go to Morocco hoping to win — we believed we could. We faced different types of opponents, and we learned that you can't be rigid. You need to adjust while staying true to your style. Several matches came down to moments: a tackle, a save, a bit of composure. One of our greatest weapons wasn't a formation — it was the togetherness and teamwork from players and staff. Players who weren't starting were still pushing the group forward. What challenges have you faced in preparing for this edition of the tournament, and how have you overcome them? Preparing for this edition of WAFCON has brought a very different set of challenges compared to previous years, not because the task is harder, but because the context has changed. We're no longer chasing history; we're carrying it. With that comes new pressure, new expectations, and new obstacles. A few key players have struggled with injuries or are just returning from long layoffs. We had some camps, and that players come from different environments and have to adjust quickly. This can be a negative or positive challenge as it brings out the best in some and clearly shows who is right for this level and who is not. We've also been transitioning some new faces into the squad to see how we can blend the local players and those playing abroad. How important is it for Banyana Banyana to not only defend the title but also inspire the next generation of female footballers across the continent? The only country that has successfully defended WAFCON on numerous occasions is Nigeria. Over the past two years, Banyana has shown that they can defy all odds by winning WAFCON as well as getting to the last 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, and it will take a bigger effort as they have shown true grit and resilience and this is a team that never gives up. Winning it back-to-back will be right up there with everything else we have achieved as a team over the last two years. It will inspire a nation, and hopefully, more sponsorship will come on board, more players will be scouted to play abroad, as has been the trend since WAFCON, with many players now playing in the top teams in the different leagues around the world. As someone who captained the team and now coaches it, what does it personally mean to lead Banyana Banyana into another WAFCON as defending champions? That's a deeply powerful position to be in — having been both a captain and now the coach of Banyana Banyana, entering another WAFCON as defending champions carries layers of meaning. As a captain, I lived the experience on the pitch — feeling the pressure, the pride, and the responsibility firsthand. Now, as a coach, I carry that lived experience to guide the next generation with empathy and insight. Defending a title brings huge expectations — from fans, the federation, and the players themselves. It will be an incredible achievement for the whole team, as the only country that has done it before has been Nigeria, which has won it multiple times.
IOL News
01-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Ellis urges composure and growth ahead of final clash with Zambia
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis will be keen to see some new combinations in action on Tuesday in their friendly against Zambia. Photo: BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says it will be important for the team to win their final Three Nations match against Zambia on Tuesday as they continue preparations for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Banyana started the tournament on a high, beating neighbours Botswana 3–2 at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Wednesday. It was a patchy display, though, as they went into the break 3–1 up, only to concede another goal in the second half, making for a nervy finish. Ellis knows that mistakes are part and parcel of football, and that's why she won't be hard on the players if they make errors at this stage of the build-up to WAFCON. Banyana will need to produce a sterling campaign in Morocco, where they will head as defending champions. 'Look, we don't have many camps where we can look at a lot of players, so this is the big game that we've had this year,' Ellis said. 'If players can withstand the pressure here, I'm sure they can withstand WAFCON. If they have a bad game, it doesn't mean they are out of the equation just yet. "They're not going to get everything right, but as long as they understand what we're trying to do, that's important. We need to see something from them. 'We still have time to work on certain things in the pre-WAFCON camp. So, we don't discard someone after one bad day — anyone can have a bad day.' Ellis is aware that Zambia, who qualified for the last Olympic Games, will be tough opposition, which is why she wants her team to be at their best throughout. 'We need to be better at the back — more organised, better communication, better positioning,' she said. 'We also need to be more composed on the ball and offer better passing options. It's going to be key not to give the ball away so easily. 'Sometimes we're not even under pressure, but we still give the ball away cheaply. If you look at the second goal against Botswana, we should have gone left, but instead we played into traffic. "One minute later, the ball was in the back of our net. We have to be better in those moments. We need to make the right decisions.' Jermaine Seoposenwe of Banyana Banyana. Photo: BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix
