Desiree Ellis to assess non-regular Banyana players against Senegal

Banyana will depart for Senegal on Wednesday evening, allowing the players and staff to visit the polls and cast their votes in national elections, ahead of the first clash in Thies on Saturday (19:00 SA time). 

Ellis noted the two matches will be important to weigh the team against the West African side, who have already qualified for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

"I think these two friendlies are very important, we're playing against a side that has qualified for WAFCON and will bring a bit of physicality, which is great right at the beginning to be able to see what we need to work on," said Ellis.

"Especially with the group of players that we have, some of which are coming back from injury, we have one new cap, some have been here before and are now getting recalls, and some have been here but not played regularly.

"It's an opportunity now for them to play, and we want to make sure that it's a good test so we can see who we take with us on our journey because it's important that we also look to the future.

"We're talking now very far ahead, but the next big tournament is hopefully the WAFCON – if it doesn't happen then the next one is only in 2026, and some of these players must be ready for then because it will double up as a World Cup qualifier.

"So the opportunity to play these friendlies and test these youngsters is really big, and now it's up to them to show [they're ready]."

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The 61-year-old mentor also applauded Mexico-based forward Jermaine Seoposenwe for having played a major role in her club FC Monterrey’s 2024 Clausura Championship success on Monday night. 

"I just want to congratulate Jermaine. Last year she missed out in the semi-finals, and this time around – I know after the first [leg] result didn't go their way, but playing at home is always a big plus for them – her scoring is also a cherry on top," said Ellis.

"I'm really excited and happy for her, she's put in a lot of work – during WAFCON she had to step up and she did, and she stepped up on numerous occasions for the national team. 

"So a big congratulations Jermaine – once again you've shown you can step up when it matters most."