Ellis Praises Nthabiseng Majiya And Centurion Mbane After Algeria Win
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has hailed 21-year-old Nthabiseng Majiya’s clinical strike against Algeria, while celebrating defender Bambanani Mbane reaching her 100th cap.
Majiya was a handful as Banyana Banyana defeated Algeria 1–0 in a friendly match at Princess Magogo Stadium on Tuesday.
Leading the line in the absence of star attacker Thembi Kgatlana, Majiya proved decisive, curling in a superb goal in the 36th minute that gave goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi no chance.
Despite being just 21, Ellis had already included her in the squad that won WAFCON in Morocco in 2022.
She scored her first international goal when Banyana defeated Botswana 1–0 in their final group-stage match at that tournament, coming on for Kgatlana in the 70th minute after the latter picked up an injury.
“Majiya—we took her to WAFCON in 2022,” Ellis said at Princess Magogo Stadium after the match.
“She scored a goal, but from then on I don’t think she developed as we would have liked. However, over the last year and a half, I must give credit to Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies coach Godfrey Sapula.
“He has done a lot of work with her. We’ve also been in constant communication and have worked closely with her. She has improved, and it’s still a work in progress.
“We sometimes forget that she is only 21. We will continue to work with her because she definitely has talent, along with Bonolo Mokoma, who is 18. These are players we are consistently developing.”
As Banyana have won the first of their two friendly matches against Algeria, the second is set to take place at King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday.
These matches form part of the team’s preparations for WAFCON in Morocco in July.
The match in KwaMashu also marked a milestone for defender Bambanani Mbane, who earned her 100th cap and captained the side despite regular skipper Refiloe Jane being in the starting line-up.
Ellis praised Mbane’s achievement, noting that she could have reached the milestone sooner.
“I think Bamba could have reached this milestone earlier,” Ellis said.
“She had a couple of injuries but has come back stronger. She is a true professional—someone you can rely on, who never lets you down, and a mentor to younger players. They understand they won’t play forever.
“It is well deserved—she is the 12th player in Banyana history to reach over 100 caps. Others before her also deserve recognition.
“I’m very happy for her, and long may it continue, because she has once again shown that she is a top, top player.”
