Desiree Ellis urges Banyana to ‘stamp authority’ early in Olympic qualifier against Madagascar

Banyana Banyana have set up base in Bloemfontein ahead of their crucial 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifier first-leg clash against Madagascar at the Free State Stadium on Friday.

Despite Madagascar being listed as the home team for the opening encounter, the fixture was moved to South Africa because the island nation lacks a suitable venue. Madagascar requested that Friday’s match be played behind closed doors without spectators, presenting a unique, spectator-free environment for the 2022 African Champions.

Head coach Desiree Ellis emphasized that her side will treat the fixture with absolute seriousness, warning against any complacency despite being ranked higher and having beaten Madagascar in their previous meetings in 2018 and 2019.

“We are a team that never underestimates any opponent. The rankings don’t mean anything. It’s 11 versus 11, and if you don’t take the game seriously, before you know it, you’re chasing the game,” said Ellis.

“From the first whistle, we’ve got to stamp our authority. We’ve got to show why we are Banyana and who we are, and make sure that we take the game away from them completely.”

South Africa last competed at the Olympic Games at the 2016 edition in Rio, missing out on the last two Games.

Ellis stressed that securing a strong result in the first leg is vital not only to ease pressure ahead of the return leg on Tuesday next week, but also to build momentum for November’s Fifa Women’s World Cup play-offs.

“It’s not just about this game, it’s also about the game in November. We are using it two-fold because you have very little time to prepare,” Ellis explained.

“We’ll be working on ourselves as well … keeping a clean sheet is really important because we know we’re going to create opportunities, and when we create those opportunities, we’ve got to make sure that we put the ball in the back of the net.”

No fans for Madagascar vs Banyana first leg Olympic clash in Bloemfontein

#NtswembuNamanje

@SasolinSport @stayfree @SABC_Sport @adidasZA @adidasfootball @StandardBankZA @flysaa @NUTRITECHFIT

https://t.co/lvl2HSiITC

— Sasol Banyana Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) October 7, 2026

Key overseas-based stars have already arrived in camp to boost the squad, including Thembi Kgatlana (Mexico), Linda Motlhalo (Scotland), Bongeka Gamede (Denmark), and Hildah Magaia (Saudi Arabia), with Amogelang Motau (Mexico) arriving on Wednesday. However, Banyana will be without stalwart defender Bambanani Mbane, who has returned home to continue injury rehabilitation.

The squad features a blend of seasoned stars, recalled in-form players, and fresh talent, including a call-up for Siyamthanda Qashani after impressive performances for club TUT.

“We’ve always been a team that has refreshed the squad and brought in newer, younger players. It’s not about age,” Ellis said.

“Where we’re going, we need to find the right balance and the right mix between youth and experience because it’s not going to be a walk in the park. The dream is still alive, and we’ve shown that we can come back from adversity time and time again.”

While Friday’s 3pm kickoff will be closed to the public, Ellis urged the Bloemfontein faithful to come out in full force for the second leg on Tuesday to turn the Free State Stadium into a true fortress.

“We’re hoping that for the second game, the fans come out and fill up the stadium to show Madagascar what they missed,” Ellis said.