10 November 2020 – After a week of group action, the 2020 COSAFA Women’s championship has reached the semi-finals stage with defending champions Banyana Banyana taking on Malawi on Thursday, 12 November in what promises to be a mouth-watering encounter.

Both teams will be high in confidence after their 100 percent winning record in the group stages. South Africa finished their last pool game with a 7-0 massacre of Comoros on Monday, 9 November taking their tally to 14 goals in 3 matches while Malawi managed to get 10 goals in two group matches, both teams have not conceded a goal in the tournament.

Despite an impressive run in the group stages, Coach Desiree Ellis still believes there is room for improvement if her youthful side is to overcome Malawi.

“We have played all the players we have in our team which allowed us to analyse each player and what they can offer. Our opponents have had fantastic matches in the group stages. We will analyse the plans in place and work on those plans and it will be up to the players to execute those plans because the semi-finals are a different ball game with no second chances, so we must ensure that our plans are executed properly.’’

Ellis has challenged her locally based players to make their mark in this tournament in which Banyana Banyana have won three consecutive titles.

“It will be up to the players how badly they want it, I have challenged them to make new memories and this is also an opportunity for them to make a mark for people to remember them”.

New memories have already been made for debutants, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Neliswa Luthuli, Karabo Makhurubetshi, Kaylyn Jordaan, Xiluva Tshabalala and Oratile Mokwena.

Ellis further expressed her joy for Sibulele Holweni who scored five goals against Comoros and walked away with the player of the match award.

For further information please contact:

SAFA: Head of Communications

Dominic Chimhavi

Email: dominic.chimhavi@safa.net

Mobile: +27 71 332 9886