Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis hopes they can improve their cutting edge in next week's friendlies against Algeria.
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Desiree Ellis has pinpointed Banyana Banyana’s lack of ruthlessness in front of goal as the key area for improvement ahead of next week’s international friendlies against Algeria in Durban.
While Banyana Banyana have consistently shown their ability to dominate possession and create chances, Ellis believes their build-up towards the rescheduled Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in July and August will hinge on better execution in the final third.
“We’re a team that creates a lot of chances, but it’s the decision-making and movement in the final third that we’re working on,” Ellis said at a training session in Durban North this week. “If we get that right, we’ll score a lot more goals. It’s not going to happen overnight, but that’s been a big focus for us.
Ellis’ assessment comes after recent tournaments where Banyana’s wastefulness cost them, most notably at the recent Cosafa Women's Championship. Despite generating opportunities, they lacked the clinical edge needed to convert dominance into results – a gap the coach is determined to close.
"We’re working a lot on our defensive side and on our build-up, but we’re concentrating on the final third because when we get there, we create the chances. If you look at Cosafa, if we probably had taken our chances we could have won it."
Tactically, the friendlies against Algeria are expected to provide a different kind of examination. Ellis expects an opponent capable of varying their approach, from high pressing to sitting in a compact low block, forcing the 2022 Wafcon champions to adapt.
“We’re playing against a team that will press high but can also drop into a low block,” she explained. “They’ll challenge us in different areas because they also want to play. That’s important for us, because at Wafcon you face different styles and you have to adapt.”
That adaptability has become a central theme in Banyana’s preparations. Having often faced more physical, direct teams reliant on long balls, Ellis wants her side to be comfortable against technically different opposition, and to solve problems with greater tactical clarity.
Midfield playmaker Linda Motlhalo, fresh from cup success with her club, Glasgow City, believes the solution lies in collective understanding as much as individual brilliance.
“As creative players we have responsibility, but it’s a team effort,” said Motlhalo. “The understanding between us is important.”
Motlhalo also welcomed the opportunity to build cohesion through the Algeria friendlies where Bambanani Mbane is in line to earn her 100th cap while fellow defensive lynchpin Karabo Dhlamini is clsoing in on her 50th – especially after spending time apart as a squad.
“These games are important for us to see where we are and improve our understanding as players and with the coaches,” she said.
With the continental showpiece on the horizon, Ellis’ message is clear: Banyana’s attacking patterns are working, now they must add the finishing touch.
The first friendly against Algeria will take place at Princess Magogo Stadium on Tuesday while the second will be played at King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday. Boith matches will kick off at 3pm.