Guns Blazing: Ellis Issues Bold WAFCON Warning As Banyana Star Hits 100 Caps
Banyana Banyana legendary coach Desiree Ellis says South Africa must start on the front foot to set the tone for their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign against Tanzania.
The second-ranked side on the African continent, Banyana Banyana, will face Tanzania in their opening Group B match of the 2026 WAFCON on Monday at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco (19:00).
Ellis’ charges have been in North Africa for the past week and have completed their preparations for the tournament opener against the East Africans.
The two sides played to a draw in their last meeting, and Banyana know exactly what to expect.
“The first match is very important because it sets the tone for the rest of the tournament. You have to go all out with guns blazing,” said Ellis.
“Everything we have done and everything we have prepared has been geared towards this game because you cannot prepare further than that without first getting a good result.
“We have faced Tanzania a couple of times before, and the games have been very tight. They can play, and they bring a lot of physicality, but we have dealt with teams like these in the past and have prepared extremely well for this game. What will be key is keeping a clean sheet and controlling the game.”
The 2022 African champions are in Group B alongside Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. Banyana captain Refiloe Jane knows exactly what their opening opponents are capable of.
“Tanzania are not going to be easy. We know they are a difficult team to face. They are relentless and play until the final whistle,” Ellis continued.
“We have to make sure that we capitalise on every chance we create and score. If you win your first game, you move forward with confidence, so it will be important for us to get a positive result against Tanzania.”
South Africa could have an additional reason to celebrate in the opening fixture, as midfield maestro Linda Motlhalo is set to earn her 100th senior international cap if she is named in the starting line-up against Tanzania.
Motlhalo was one of Banyana’s standout performers when they won their maiden WAFCON title in Morocco in 2022.
This edition of the tournament carries added significance for all 16 participating teams, with the four semi-finalists securing automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Sasol, the proud sponsors of Banyana Banyana, have also sent a message of support ahead of the tournament.
“As Sasol Banyana Banyana take to the field to begin their WAFCON campaign, we wish Coach Desiree Ellis, the players and the technical team every success.
“Through #NtswembuNamanje, we celebrate the strength, resilience and determination that define this team and remind them that an entire nation stands proudly behind them as they represent our country on the continental stage,” said Dean Somerset, Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorships at Sasol.
