Shilene Booysen: Time to rebuild Banyana Banyana

The Egypt-based Wadi Degla head coach states it’s time to instead start rebuilding and preparing a squad for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the next Olympic Games in 2028. 

The call comes at a time coach Desiree Ellis has left several senior players out of the squad to face Senegal in two international friendlies next month – among them captain Refiloe Jane, Thembi Kgatlana, Jermaine Seoposenwe, and Noko Matlou.

"Of course it was disappointing to see Banyana Banyana not qualifying for the Olympics, but I think we all need to take into consideration that teams go through stages," defended Booysen.

"They go through slumps, some players were not available, or were just coming back from injury, and I think if they maybe had two or three more weeks in which to prepare for the Nigeria game, I think that would have helped them a lot.

"But it was disappointing, but I think we shouldn't see it as a total failure because now it gives us an opportunity to rebuild and make sure we have the players to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games.

"So, I think this should be seen as an opportunity for growth, an opportunity to test new players, and an opportunity to grow new players and develop ones you can use in the 2027 World Cup."

READ: Confirmed: Banyana vs Senegal match moved to Saturday