Ellis confident Banyana can defend Wafcon title despite missing Kgatlana

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis is not overly concerned about the absence of her key striker, Thembi Kgatlana, when she announces the squad on Monday that will defend their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title in Morocco next month.

Banyana won the 12-team competition for the first time in 2022, also in Morocco. Kgatlana did not complete that tournament due to an injury sustained in a group match against Botswana. She only recovered a few weeks before the start of the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia, where she played a crucial role helping Banyana reach the second round.

“Yes, losing any player, especially someone of Thembi's calibre, is a major loss,” Ellis acknowledged in Johannesburg on Friday, where she held a camp with a preliminary squad of 28 players. She will finalise her team of 21 on Monday.

“However, just like in the 2022 Wafcon, we had players stepping up when Thembi got injured. The country mourned her absence, but we had prepared for various scenarios. Everyone rose to the occasion and now it’s another opportunity for someone else to step up. While it’s unfortunate to lose top players, it’s a reality we must respect. I fully support her personal circumstances and believe she will return even stronger.”

With several players, including Kgatlana, nearing retirement, Ellis has already begun integrating new talent into the team. She is pleased with the potential of several newcomers who will be showcased in Morocco, where Banyana will compete against Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania in their group matches.

The news of Kgatlana's absence was compounded by the revelation that her strike partner, Jermaine Seoposenwe, has also indicated she will retire after the tournament in Morocco.

“I think it’s been really exciting,” said Ellis, reflecting on the synergy she has cultivated within the team, especially with senior players expected to retire soon.

“The young players have come in and are truly making an impact. Their determination to fight for starting positions has inspired the senior players. It’s heartwarming to see these young talents not focused on who is ahead of them but instead striving to earn their spot.

“We have refreshed the squad several times. Noxolo Cesane is one cap away from 50, and Karabo Dhlamini has amassed numerous caps at just 24 years old. We held a camp in February to bring in many young players, ensuring we expand our core group in anticipation of future retirements.

“We faced a shortage of core players at the end of last year and we wanted to ensure that our core group is bigger.”

Ellis highlighted that Banyana's greatest strength heading to Morocco is the players' fitness, as they have been competing regularly in the local league and those abroad have also been active.

“I believe our teamwork and unity have always been our strongest assets,” said the Banyana coach.

“We consistently remind our players that in teamwork, individuals can shine. This was evident in our previous matches against Botswana and Zambia. It’s our teamwork and togetherness, playing for one another, that have brought us success.

“We won't change this style. It’s not about 'I', but 'we' and 'us' together. This applies not only to the players but also to the technical staff and everyone behind the scenes. Ensuring that players receive as much information as possible about their opponents is crucial.”

Asked if returning to Morocco as champions feels different, Ellis responded: “More importantly, we’re going there as contenders, just like everyone else. What has happened in the past is behind us; this is a new tournament. The game has evolved, and countries have invested. We approach this as one of the contenders, taking it day by day and game by game, as we have in the past.

“We must remain focused on what lies ahead. As we noted in 2018, the first game is the most important. The same was true in 2022; the first match sets the tone for the entire tournament. It allows us to rotate players, ensuring they remain fresh for the later stages.

Our focus is on the first game; once that's behind us, we'll concentrate on the subsequent matches. No group is easy and no team can be underestimated. Rankings mean little. For example, look at Zambia facing Botswana — people expect a certain outcome, but it’s 11 against 11 on the field. If we execute our plans effectively, we can achieve a positive result against anyone

—  Desiree Ellis

“Yes, we are defending champions, but we do not feel pressured because every team is a contender, and we are among them.”

Ellis emphasised Banyana's group opponents should not be underestimated as they have all shown improvement over the years. Banyana kick off their campaign against Ghana on July 7, face Tanzania on July 11 and conclude against Mali on July 14. All group matches will be held at the Honor Stadium in Oujda, located in the northeastern part of Morocco.

“This is not an easy group, and I don’t believe any group is easy any more. The investment made across the African continent has majorly changed the landscape. Countries are now playing regularly, utilising each window effectively.

“We faced Ghana in 2018 and lost to them in a friendly before the Wafcon. Though they didn't advance that year, Ghana have always been a powerhouse in African women's football, with a strong structure and talented players. They now have a new coach.”

“Tanzania is a team we've faced before, but that match is behind us now since we have a new game ahead. They are currently competing in the Cecafa tournament and we've been observing their performance. They have a solid squad and are likely to play five games before heading to Wafcon.

“On the other hand, we played Mali in 2018 when we qualified for the World Cup. However, we won't let past results influence us because, when the tournament begins, we must be prepared for any eventuality.

“Our focus is on the first game; once that's behind us, we'll concentrate on the subsequent matches. No group is easy and no team can be underestimated. Rankings mean little. For example, look at Zambia facing Botswana — people expect a certain outcome, but it’s 11 against 11 on the field. If we execute our plans effectively, we can achieve a positive result against anyone.”

Ellis said hugely experienced forward Seoposenwe's retirement did not surprise her.

“I spoke with Seoposenwe after she announced her plans to retire following Wafcon in Morocco. I understand and support her decision.

“Jermaine has been a tremendous asset to the team, stepping up when needed, especially during the 2022 Wafcon. She hadn't played for us for over a year due to visa issues, but she rose to the occasion.

“I want to express my gratitude to Jermaine for her service. We can’t thank her enough for everything she's done, but we must respect her decision when a player chooses to retire.

“I had conversations with Jermaine, so her decision didn’t come as a surprise to me, but I must respect the choices players make. Sometimes players retire earlier, sometimes later; it's ultimately a decision she’s made, and I support that.”

Is there a push for players to give Seoposenwe a proper send-off?

“I'm sure there is, but it’s not just about providing her a decent farewell; it’s also about our goal of defending the title. Nigeria have a history of being serial winners, and winning it again would be significant.

“If we can achieve back-to-back titles, the country will go wild. I just hope that women’s football takes the leap forward that we expect after our past successes in Wafcon.”