Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has revealed her reasons for omitting certain players from the final squad to feature in phase 1 of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Playoffs later this month.
After failing to get automatic qualification for the global showpiece by missing the semi-finals at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Banyana find themselves having to attempt to qualify the long way.
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The 2022 African champions will play in a mini tournament involving Chinese Taipei, Ecuador, Uzbekistan, Ghana and Papua New Guinea from 28 November – 5 December in Morocco. The top two sides from these playoffs will advance to the final qualifying round next February.
Meanwhile Ellis made changes to the side that played against Madagascar in the second round of the 2028 Olympic qualifiers, with Sinegugu Zondi, Isabella Ludwig, Cimone Sauls and Siyamthanda Qashani dropped from that squad.
Though not specific to the dropped players Ellis was quoted on Safa.net explaining her reasons.
“There were other players that we were looking at,” said Ellis.
“But due to exams, injuries and lack of valid passports, we had to omit them. But we are happy with the selections we have made, as they give us a balanced squad that we believe will get the required outcomes in Morocco.”
‘The first match is the most important’
The coach further admitted the playoffs route is not ideal but the team understands the assignment.
“This is not the route we wanted to go, but we are here now,” added Ellis.
“We are all aware that we have to get one of the top two spots, which makes the first match the most important because it sets the tone for the rest of the competition.
“With a positive result we will give ourselves the required momentum as well a huge boost because the games are going to come thick and fast.
“We know that in these tournaments there’s not a lot of time in between, hence I emphasize that the opening match will be very crucial. We get that right and we stand a good chance of progressing.”