Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has warned her charges against underestimating Madagascar when the two nations clash in the second leg of their second-round 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
Kick-off is at 18h00.
South Africa head into the encounter with a commanding 4-0 aggregate lead after a convincing victory in Friday’s first leg, which was also played at the Free State Stadium because Madagascar did not have a suitable venue to host the match.
Striker Ronnel Donnelly stole the show with a hat-trick, while Hildah Magaia added the fourth goal to put the South Africans firmly in control of the tie.
Despite the comfortable advantage, Ellis insists that Banyana must remain focused and deliver another professional performance to secure their passage to the next round.
“The plan is to first secure the game. A 4-0 lead doesn’t mean we can underestimate them. We still have to play really well from the start to make sure that they don’t get a foothold in the game,” said Ellis.
“We said we wanted to take the tie away from them. I don’t want to sound disrespectful, but we would have to play really badly not to get through this round. However, we still have to put up a professional performance.”
Having played the first leg in front of empty stands following a request from Madagascar that spectators not be allowed into the stadium, Ellis is looking forward to the prospect of a lively atmosphere in Tuesday’s encounter.
The Banyana mentor believes the Bloemfontein football community will turn out in numbers to support the national team.
“We know there’s a crowd that is going to come out. There’s no two ways about it that you come to Bloemfontein and not have a crowd,” she said.
“We want to make sure that we put up a good performance because a good performance gives you a good result as well, and through that we are able to play better football.”
Ellis also highlighted the importance of using the encounter to fine-tune the team’s preparations for tougher challenges ahead.
She said the squad had been working on several aspects of its game and would use the match as an opportunity to continue improving, while remaining mindful that it is an important Olympic qualifier.
“We have played in other provinces, and I know Bloemfontein loves football. I’ve seen it with the U23s and Bafana Bafana, and hopefully the supporters can come out in their numbers,” Ellis added.
“We just want to put up a good performance and work on a few things. We have a few days to prepare, and it is a work in progress.
“We also have to be at our best when we play better opposition. This is a rehearsal, but it’s still an Olympic qualifier.”
Meanwhile, Ellis has called up Lelona Daweti of Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies following the release of Bonolo Mokoma from the national team camp due to injury.
With a four-goal cushion, Banyana will be determined to finish the job in front of their home supporters and take another step towards qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
