By BLOEMFONTEIN — Holding a commanding 4-0 aggregate lead, Sasol Banyana Banyana head coach Dr. Desiree Ellis has made it clear that her side will leave no room for complacency when they host Madagascar in the second leg of their 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday.
The clash, kicking off at 18h00, sees South Africa returning to the pitch following a dominant performance in the first leg at the same venue. Because Madagascar lacked a suitable home venue, the initial fixture was played back-to-back in Bloemfontein on Friday, resulting in a stellar hat-trick from striker Ronnel Donnelly and a clinical fourth goal by Hildah Magaia.
Despite the comfortable cushion, Dr. Ellis insists her squad’s mindset remains firmly rooted in discipline and high standards.
“The plan is to first secure the game, 4-0 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,” Dr. Ellis stated.
While acknowledging the statistical unlikelihood of a turnaround—noting they would have to play exceptionally poorly not to advance—she emphasized the absolute necessity of delivering a professional exhibition.
Tuesday’s encounter will also mark a welcome change in atmosphere. The first leg was played behind closed doors at the request of the Malagasy federation, robbing the stadium of spectators. This time around, Dr. Ellis is relishing the prospect of playing in front of a lively Bloemfontein crowd, a city renowned for its passionate football backing of national teams like Bafana Bafana and the under-23s.
“We know there’s a crowd that going to come out… We just want to put up a good performance and work on a few things,” said Dr. Ellis. Framing the fixture as both a vital rehearsal and a serious Olympic qualifier, she stressed that the ongoing preparations are a work in progress geared toward meeting stiffer challenges ahead.
In squad updates, Dr. Ellis has called up Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies star Lelona Daweti to the national team camp following the release of Bonolo Mokoma due to injury.
With momentum on their side and home support finally in their corner, Banyana look poised to close out the round in style.
