What forced Ellis to leave some players out of Banyana's crucial World Cup squad?

Desiree Ellis has explained some of the difficulties behind her Banyana Banyana selection as South Africa prepare for a demanding route to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

The 2022 African champions will compete in the first phase of the inter-confederation playoffs in Morocco from November 28 to December 5, hoping to secure one of the two places available in the next qualifying round.

Ellis identifies reasons behind squad omissions

Banyana made changes to the squad that faced Madagascar in the second round of the 2028 Olympic qualifiers, with Sinegugu Zondi, Isabella Ludwig, Cimone Sauls and Siyamthanda Qashani among those left out.

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Ellis also revealed that other players under consideration were unavailable because of academic commitments, injuries and passport issues.

“There were other players that we were looking at,” Ellis said, as quoted by SAFA.

“But due to exams, injuries and lack of valid passports, we had to omit them. But we are happy with the selections we have made, as they give us a balanced squad that we believe will get the required outcomes in Morocco.”

Ellis stresses importance of opening match

South Africa will face Chinese Taipei, Ecuador, Uzbekistan, Ghana and Papua New Guinea in the mini-tournament. The top two teams will advance to the final qualifying round in February 2027.

Ellis acknowledged that the playoffs were not the route her team wanted but insisted they understood what was required.

“This is not the route we wanted to go, but we are here now,” she added.

“We are all aware that we have to get one of the top two spots, which makes the first match the most important because it sets the tone for the rest of the competition.

“With a positive result we will give ourselves the required momentum as well a huge boost because the games are going to come thick and fast.

“We know that in these tournaments there’s not a lot of time in between, hence I emphasize that the opening match will be very crucial. We get that right and we stand a good chance of progressing.”

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