Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis finds herself in a challenging position as she navigates through injuries and academic commitments while preparing her team for their final international friendlies of the year against Jamaica.
With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) looming next year, the stakes have never been higher.
The South African national team arrived on the beautiful shores of Jamaica, informally known as ‘Jamrock’, to play two crucial matches against the Reggae Girlz.
The first of those fixtures will take place tonight (3am SA time tomorrow), while the second will kickoff on Monday night (2.30am SA time on Tuesday).
However, this expedition has not been without its share of difficulties.
First training session out in Montego Bay ahead of our 1️⃣st international friendly match against the Reggae Girlz 🇯🇲on 29 November 2024
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) November 28, 2024
Catch the action live on @SABC_Sport on Saturday morning 😮at 3am 😶🌫️@SasolinSport @Shield_ZA @VolkswagenSA pic.twitter.com/vnqTzOURwg
Ellis is grappling with the absence of key players due to injuries, along with several others who are currently preoccupied with academic obligations.
In a rather concerning turn of events, Banyana have lost pivotal players from their initial 23-player squad.
Stars like Thembi Kgatlana and Jermaine Seoposenwe were already unavailable, and the absence of 2022 Wafcon final hero Hildah Magaia, along with several others, will also be felt on tour.
Ellis expressed her disappointment: “Unfortunately Hildah picked up an injury at her club, and (we) received late notification. Sibulele Holweni is also not well.
“We have information from Mamelodi Sundowns (Ladies) that Karabo Dhlamini is injured, and (Nthabiseng) Majiya came into camp late and was assessed, and found to be unfit to travel.”
📍Montego Bay 🇯🇲
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) November 27, 2024
🌞27°
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💪120%@SasolinSport @Shield_ZA @VolkswagenSA pic.twitter.com/bIRE6DeXVQ
This late-stage shuffle can be attributed to the cumulative toll of a long season, compounded by injuries and academic pressures.
“Unfortunately, injuries prevail at this time of year. It’s been a long season for everyone, and with players participating in the Champions League, we faced similar injury situations last year, alongside many players dealing with exams,” Ellis added.
Despite the setbacks, the upcoming matches against Jamaica could present a unique opportunity for experimentation, while Banyana will have to rely on the midfield experience of US-based Linda Motlhalo and Noxolo Cesane, who plays her club football in Saudi Arabia, as well as Sundowns defender Lebohang Ramalepe.
The Reggae Girlz, once ranked among the world’s finest and now 42nd, have had a tough run lately, failing to win any of their last 17 matches, with four draws and 13 losses.
Straight to business for @SasolSA Banyana Banyana in Jamaica.#SasolinSport #LiveTheImpossible#BanyanaBanyana pic.twitter.com/UsAq34uorR
— Sasol in Sport (@SasolinSport) November 27, 2024
Their recent encounters against top-tier teams, including France and Brazil, have undoubtedly tested their resilience as they strive to elevate their game post the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
This will mark Banyana’s second meeting with Jamaica. Their first encounter ended in a tense 1-1 draw at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban nearly five years ago.
Now, after back-to-back defeats during their recent European tour against Denmark and England, Banyana – who are ranked 50th in the world – are in urgent need of a win to boost their morale.
With their group stage opponents for next year’s Wafcon tournament already revealed, Ellis will also look towards preparing her team strategically for upcoming clashes against Ghana, Tanzania and Mali.
The pressure is on as Banyana seek to solidify their squad and revive their competitive spirit against the backdrop of adversity.