5 June 2018 – Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says she has devised her own ways to curb the goal-scoring problems afflicting our football.
Banyana Banyana are in Lesotho preparing to face the hosts on Wednesday at Setsoto Stadium in the second round of the 2018 CAF Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers. Kick-off is at 15h00.
Ever since they arrived in this mountainous kingdom, one of Ellis’ biggest emphasis has been sharpening the goal-scoring exploits of the girls.
“We have been in situations where we could have buried our opponents; say scored three or four goals by the time our opponents recover. We can’t afford to squander chances like that often. We don’t want to go through this again and we have been working hard on this area.
“In Cyprus, it was the same story; we could have been in a better position had we utilized all our chances. Our last few training sessions here in Lesotho had been on goal-scoring matters which have also helped our goalkeepers because they also have been prepared to make good saves. I am really impressed by the whole exercise,”said a confident Ellis.
The Banyana Banyana coach said the players were practicing to score at the pockets of top corners which make it difficult for keepers to stop.
On the game tomorrow, Ellis said the team was well prepared and confident.
“We are ready, we beat them 3-0 the last time in COSAFA Castle Cup and we are confident of repeating the same this time around. We should do most of the business in the first leg so that we are comfortable in the second leg at home.
“We are all aware that no game is as easy as it seems and we have to be on top of our game to get a positive result in the first leg. We need to start on a good footing so we can finish the business at home,” added the Banyana Banyana coach.
Ellis and her 24-woman squad arrived in Maseru on Sunday after a two-day camp in Bloemfontein and she said she was happy with the preparations so far.
“We left early so that we acclimatize to the conditions in here; our sessions have been intense but relaxed. The mood among the team is great and I like the camaraderie among the players. We are ready for Wednesday’s game,”said the Banyana Banyana mentor.
The second leg will be played at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday and the overall winner will qualify for the Women Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana in November this year.
“This is the start of the Road to the World Cup in France,”said Ellis.
Banyana Banyana Squad – vs Lesotho 1-10 June 2018
Goalkeepers:
| 1. Andile Dhlamini | Mamelodi Sundowns FC | Pretoria |
| 2. Mapaseka Mpuru | Tuks | Johannesburg |
| 3. Roxanne Barker | UWC Ladies | Cape Town |
| 4. Yolula Tsawe | JVW FC | Johannesburg |
Defenders:
| 5. Lebogang Ramalepe | Maindis FC | Polokwane |
| 6. Nothando Vilakazi | Palace Super Falcons FC | Johannesburg |
| 7. Zanele Nhlapho | Mamelodi Sundowns FC | Pretoria |
| 8. Bambanani Mbane | Bloemfontein Celtic | Bloemfontein |
| 9. Regina Mogolola | TUKS | Pretoria |
| 10. Karabo Dhlamini | Mamelodi Sundowns FC | Johannesburg |
| 11. Thato Letsoso | University of Johannesburg | Johannesburg |
Midfielders:
| 12. Kgaelebane Mohlakoana | Bloemfontein Celtic | Bloemfontein |
| 13. Rachel Sebati | TUT-PTA | Pretoria |
| 14.Mamello Makhabane | JVW FC | Johannesburg |
| 15.Refiloe Jane | TUT-PTA | Pretoria |
| 16.Leandra Smeda | UWC Ladies | Cape Town |
| 17.Nompumelelo Nyandeni | JVW FC | Johannesburg |
| 18. Hilda Magaia | TUT-PTA | Johannesburg |
| 19. Gabriela Salgado | JVW FC | Johannesburg |
Forwards:
| 20.Jermaine Seoposenwe | UWC Ladies | Cape Town |
| 21. Melinda Kgadiete | Bloemfontein Celtic | Bloemfontein |
| 22. Chantelle Esau | Mamelodi Sundowns FC | Pretoria |
| 23.Khanya Xesi | UWC Ladies | Cape Town |
| 24.Noko Matlou | Ma-Indies | Polokwane |