Calls for concern as Banyana Banyana players complain over management
She is criticising the coaching and the culture in the Banyana set up, and SAFA's treatment of the women's team.
Some of her frustration is directed at SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao, saying she had hoped a female CEO would improve the women's game.
Lots to unpack, including a less than ideal Women's AFCON in Morocco.
Former SAFA technical director of women's football Fran Hilton-Smith, who also coached Banyana Banyana had a discussion with eNCA Nandi Tshabalala.
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The South African Football Association (Safa) scrambled to remedy the situation. But by the time a resolution was reached, the structural integrity of Banyana Banyana's title defence was already looking shaky. Weak Wafcon campaign This theme persisted throughout their march to the Wafcon semifinals, where they fell 2-1 to eventual champions Nigeria. Then they failed to claim a Wafcon medal for the first time since 2016 after being defeated 4-3 on penalties by Ghana in the bronze play-off. 'Given the situation within camp, given the players that we had and a lot of transition that was taking place in the team, we're hoping that a lot of positives can be taken from this tournament and that we can build on that,' said Jane. Of course, players retire all the time and Desiree Ellis is one coach who has generally managed these player exits well while building this Banyana Banyana team during her nine years as head coach. Matlou and Van Wyk's successors have been part of the national team setup for a number of years. From Lonathemba Mhlongo to Tiisetso Makhubela and Bongeka Gamede, these players are no strangers to the general demands of international soccer. However, having spent limited game time while being understudies, their experience in pressure situations is significantly less than that of their retired predecessors. Burden of experience This was evident during South Africa's ill-fated title defence in Morocco. The squad was a blend of potential and experience, featuring Banyana Banyana veterans such as Linda Motlhalo, Bambanani Mbane, Jermaine Seoposenwe and Jane. The burden of pulling along their less experienced teammates may have proven to be too heavy, especially when they were also expected to maintain the individual high standards they have set in their stellar careers. Seoposenwe, who had announced her retirement from international soccer in the lead-up to this Wafcon, struggled to find the back of the net. The Mexico-based striker scored just once as she struggled to shoulder the goal-scoring responsibility that had been placed mostly on her in the absence of Thembi Kgatlana. Seoposenwe and Kgatlana are a nightmare to defenders when they hit top gear. In recent years, they've formed a devastating partnership for Banyana Banyana , playing a crucial role in SA's memorable 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup campaign. In this Wafcon defence, Seoposenwe had to lead the line without her partner in defence. This was after Kgatlana made herself unavailable for selection because she was taking a 'prearranged leave of absence from all football for personal reasons'. Kgatlana did add that she loves representing her country and will do so again in the future. Kgatlana missed Kgatlana was sorely missed by Banyana Banyana. Despite their overall performance in Morocco being lacklustre, the team created numerous scoring chances. They just did not take them — which might have been different if Kgatlana had been there. South Africa can still depend on Kgatlana in future, but Seoposenwe leaves a void that won't be easy to fill — just like the ones left by Matlou and Van Wyk. 'Jermaine has been a key figure in the national team from when she was a teenager to now calling retirement. We know how much contribution she has given to the team on and off the pitch,' said Jane. 'She leaves a great legacy, one to be followed by upcoming teenagers or upcoming players who look up to her. So, we are hoping that a lot of lessons can be taken from the type of person and player that she is.' Ellis's future The underwhelming Wafcon display has once again placed a spotlight on longtime Banyana Banyana coach Ellis. The four-time African coach of the year had to fend off questions about her future after her team failed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and now there are more question marks hanging over the former Banyana Banyana's captain's future. During Ellis's time in charge, Safa has made a handful of administrative blunders that have left the players feeling undermined by the association. Throughout these challenges, Ellis has remained gracious, refraining from airing Safa's dirty laundry in public. Alongside her amazing achievements with the team over the years, this discretion is another reason Safa is unlikely to dismiss her — another coach might not be as agreeable as her. That places the onus on Ellis to voluntarily walk away, much like German manager Jürgen Klopp did when he shocked Liverpool with his departure in 2024 after nine years at the helm. Asked about her future as Banyana Banyana slipped back into the country on Monday, 28 July, Ellis refused to comment. The coach said she did not want to be misquoted, so it was better not to comment. DM
