The coach of the Banyana Banyana national team, Disari Ellis, emphasized the importance of smart squad management in the upcoming Wafcon tournament, which will take place in Morocco at the end of this month. She stressed that the team will strive to control the process of integrating new players into the squad.
Ellis has approved the final list of 26 players who will represent the country at Wafcon. Although most senior players are returning for another major tournament, there are also several relatively young faces in the squad.
The decision by the 63-year-old coach was understandable, as Banyana aims not only to compensate for last year's disappointing fourth place but also to ensure a confident spot in the top four for qualification to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
After the announcement of the squad and the farewell meeting of the team at the headquarters of the main sponsor, Sasol, in Sandton on Friday afternoon, Ellis noted the presence of several players under the age of 23. These include Asanda (Khadebe), Kebotseng (Moletsane), Zoe (October), Isabella (Ludwig), and Antonia (Maponya). These players are participating in Wafcon for the first time, although they were previously part of the team.
Ellis warned that the tournament is not just Wafcon, but also a qualifier for the World Cup, and she noted that some countries are already preparing for it in Morocco, demonstrating a serious approach.
An example of a player who had to wait for their chance in the main squad at a major tournament is Noksolo Sesane. This is why Ellis insists on not making hasty decisions. She stated: 'We do not want to break the spirit of a young player.' She recalled how Nox started playing; she had to work hard before getting a chance in the Cosafa.
The senior players include Robin Mudali-Salgado, who is returning after a break in 2023 to work on mental health, as well as Thembi Kgatlana, who missed the last major match due to personal circumstances.
Ellis expressed satisfaction with the preparation of local players gathered in camp this week. She believes that players based abroad, including Kgatlana, will easily fit into the team when they join her base in Casablanca.
The coach emphasized that underestimating the team will lead to problems. She added that the group of players knows that opponents do everything possible when playing against Banyana. Ellis clarified that for other teams, this is the final, but for them, the first game is important, and they are focusing on achieving a positive result in it. At the same time, they need to manage the squad on the way to an important quarter-final for World Cup qualification. After that, the team will consider the semi-finals and the final. She also mentioned that five players are in reserve and ready to play because they trained with the team.
Banyana plans to continue preparations on Sunday or Monday, and on Saturday, they will leave South African shores to play in the first group match against Tanzania next Monday.
Springboks defensive line coach Mzwandile Stik noted that the team has observed that the England coach, Steve Borthwick, prefers to select players who are in good form from the recently concluded English Premier League championship, rather than relying on history.
According to Stik, this approach will make the England team more dangerous when they meet at Ellis Park on Saturday evening, with the match starting at 17:40. He commented that, given that England rewards club performances, such as Finn Smith playing at number 10 instead of experienced George Ford, they will bring a lot of energy.
Stik added that England's defensive line includes players with great speed and an 'X-factor' who will be actively involved. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the Springboks have also prepared well and expect a tough match, ensuring that the players are ready for a serious Test.
He also noted that England is capable of kicking the ball and is strong in the tackle, and the presence of Smith, who knows how to attack, and running players in the backline is an advantage. Stik is confident that the English have also paid attention to their set pieces, as they have always been strong in this aspect.
When asked about the unusual selection of three defensive line players on the bench, Stik smiled and said he was pleased that he wasn't asked about the 7-1 or 6-2 split. He suggested that people might be confused by Andre Esterhuizen's potential.
The coach admitted that it is difficult for other teams to understand or predict exactly where Andre will influence the field. He himself and other coaches are also nervous because even on match day (Saturday/today), it is unknown which position he will take. If necessary, he can come on at number 12, being one of the best in the world at that position, as shown by the goal he scored against BaaBaas.
Furthermore, he recalled Esterhuizen's influence last year when he played as a sixth forward and fourth blocker. Stik added that Andre does not get upset by movements because he likes it, which made his transition successful.
Stik also reported that the Springboks did not include a specialized blocker on the bench due to Peter-Steph du Toit's flexibility. He assured that the team is not worried because Peter-Steph fully understands that he can help in the blocker position if needed. His speed can have a significant impact on the team's system later in the game.
