Desiree Ellis: A wake-up call for Banyana before the COSAFA semis

Banyana Banyana may have secured their spot in the COSAFA Women’s Championship semi-finals, but head coach Desiree Ellis was left with more questions than answers following a gritty 1-1 draw against Lesotho in Polokwane.

While the point was enough to see the record regional champions finish top of Group A with seven points, the performance at the Seshego Stadium on Tuesday served as a stark reminder that reputation alone won’t win trophies.

Speaking after the stalemate, Ellis was candid about her side’s inability to find their rhythm. Rather than just lamenting the scoreline, she pointed toward a lack of composure when it mattered most.

“Not getting the result you wanted is disappointing, but I think what’s even more disappointing is also that we didn’t play as well as we should,” Ellis admitted. “We just couldn’t up our game at certain times, and sometimes we rushed it, especially when we were in the ascendancy.”

Ellis was also quick to credit Lesotho’s “aggressive” 90-minute shift, noting that their physical commitment made it difficult for her side to click into gear.

Ellis Testing the Depth for WAFCON At COSAFA

For Ellis, this tournament is about more than just COSAFA silverware. With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and 2027 World Cup qualifiers looming, the coach is using these matches as a high-stakes laboratory to test her fringe players.

“It’s very important, especially for the players that are at the COSAFA, to be able to test them. We want to make sure we get those games and those challenges.”

The Road Ahead: Zimbabwe Awaits

The focus now shifts rapidly to Friday’s semi-final clash at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, where Banyana will face a dangerous Zimbabwe side. After the “not nice feeling” of the Lesotho draw, Ellis and assistant coach Ridhaa Allie will be looking for a much sharper clinical edge.

Semi-Final Fixture:

Match: South Africa vs. Zimbabwe

Date: Friday, February 27, 2026

Venue: New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane

Stakes: A spot in the COSAFA Women’s Championship Final