Desiree Ellis expects a more clinical side in Madagascar clash

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis wants her side to create chances and be more clinical in front of goal when they face Madagascar in the second leg of their CAF Women’s Olympic qualifying clash in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening.

South Africa heads into the encounter with a comfortable 4-0 advantage after winning the first leg, putting them in a strong position in the second round of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifiers.

Ellis says the two fixtures also provide an opportunity to give less-regular players game time and to help strengthen the squad’s depth.

“I won’t say it is a new group of players, but it’s players who haven’t played together.

The centre-backs’ first combination, as well as getting used to the two players on the side.

So, playing Ronell [Donnelly] and Isabella [Ludwig] upfront, we have done it at WAFCON; we played them upfront for different reasons, but we wanted to also look at other players and make sure that we make that group bigger because you never know when you will need these players if your more senior players are injured.

I thought that was a good exercise,” says Ellis.

Despite the convincing first-leg victory, Ellis believes Banyana could have scored more goals.

She is now looking for an improved conversion rate in the second half of the tie to ensure they make the most of their opportunities.

The 63-year-old mentor has also welcomed the opportunity to play in front of spectators, after the first leg was played behind closed doors.

Ellis says the team wants to deliver a strong performance for their supporters in Bloemfontein.

Sasol Banyana aiming to put up a professional performance Madagascar despite leading 4-0 #NtswembuNamanje @SasolinSport @adidasZA @SABC_Sport @REXONA_SA @stayfree @flysaa https://t.co/5ENEGr29QP — Sasol Banyana Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) October 12, 2026