Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has raised concern about the team’s defence after Botswana scored two easy goals during their international friendly match on Wednesday.
The match, played at Lucas Moripe Stadium, ended 3-2 in favour of South Africa. It formed part of three-nations friendly matches taking place at the Atteridgeville venue in Pretoria.
Jamaine Seopesenwe scored a brace with the other goal coming from Adrielle Mibe.
The friendlies are part of Banyana’s preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) tournament scheduled for Morocco from July 5 to 26.
Zambia will not be walkovers
Banyana’s next opponents are Zambia on Tuesday and Ellis is hopeful that her players will improve their performance.
“We played very well against Botswana and the players did their best to score those three goals, but the fact that we conceded two easy goals calls for concern,” said Ellis.
“We have to get things right if we are serious about defending our Wafcon title in Morocco.”
Having put so much effort to win the match against Botswana, Ellis is aware of the danger that Zambia pose.
“In football, you are only good as your last game, and in this case, the previous results mean nothing.
“So, the match ahead against Zambia is not going to be a walk in the park,” said the multi-award winning coach.
Up against unpredictable teams
During the Wafcon tournament in Morocco, Banyana will start their title defence against unpredictable teams such as Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania in Group C.
Banyana won the title in 2002 after having braved the intimidating crowd under a vibrant atmosphere at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, beating Morocco 2-1 in the final to lift the continental title.
This year’s tournament was supposed to have taken place in 2024; however, it was postponed because the dates clashed with Olympic Games in Paris, France.
The tournament will be played in six venues with Casablanca, Morocco’s economic and commercial hub, providing two venues, the Barbie Zaouli and Pere Jego stadiums.
Other venues are Olympia Stadium in Rabat, El Bachir Stadium (Mohammedia), Honour Stadium (Oujda), and Berkane Stadium (Berkane).
