By Michael Madyira
Banyana Banyana’s failure to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games has sparked talk of the end of an era enjoyed by Desiree Ellis’ women.
From back-to-back qualification for the Fifa Women’s World Cup to winning the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (Wafcon), Banyana dented their good run by failing to make it to Paris 2024.
They were denied the Olympics ticket by Nigeria who beat them 1-0 away last week, before Tuesday’s 0-0 draw in Tshwane.
It marked the crashing of their dream to return to the Olympic Games where they last participated in 2016.
Banyana will now switch focus to the 2024 Wafcon but Ellis appears yet to recover from the latest setback.
“The reason I said I am not thinking too far ahead is because there are a lot of Fifa dates,” Ellis told Safa media.
“We would like to defend Wafcon. We have to get regular camps and regular good opposition, that is the only way to test ourselves.”
The dates for Wafcon are yet to be confirmed by Caf and that leaves Banyana in the dark about their next competitive assignments.
For now, they are certain about the 2024 Cosafa Cup and Ellis wants friendly matches against strong opponents.
“We must make sure we get as many games and test players so that they are ready for the next tournament,” said the Banyana coach.
“If it is not this year then in 2026 it will double up as a World Cup qualifier. We must make sure players get experience. We must make sure we get the mix right, so we have cover in all positions.”
Banyana has mature players who might retire soon like defender Noko Matlou, Lebohang Ramalepe and Melinda Kgadiete.
Pictured above: Banyana Banyana defender Lebohang Ramalepe against Nigeria.
Image source: Safa
