Sasol Banyana aiming to put up a professional performance Madagascar despite leading 4-0 – South African Football Association

12 October 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana Head Coach Dr Desiree Ellis says they will not underestimate Madagascar and will put up a professional performance despite leading 4-0 from the first leg.

The two nations meet in the second leg second round of their 2028 LA Olympic Games qualifiers at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

Kickoff is at 18h00.

South Africa is enjoying the healthy lead from the first leg played on Friday at the same venue due to the Islanders not having a suitable playing venue.

Striker Ronnel Donnelly bagged a hattrick with Hildah Magaia netting the fourth goal. Dr Ellis says the aim is to continue where they left off.

“The plan is to first secure the game, 4-0 doesn’t mean we can underestimate them, we still have to play really well from the start to make sure that they don’t get a foothold in the game,” Dr Ellis.

“We said we wanted to take the tie away from them and I don’t want to sound disrespectful, but we have to play really badly that we don’t get through this round, but we still have to put up a professional performance.”

After playing in front of empty stands in the first match due to a request from Madagascar not to have spectators at the Free State Stadium, Dr Ellis is excited at the prospects of playing with some noise in the background.

“We know there’s a crowd that going to come out, there’s no two ways about it that you come to Bloemfontein and not have a crowd. So we want to make sure that we put up a good performance because a good performance gives you a good result as well and through that we are able to play better football. I think the last time we were here we played a qualifier, I think it was against Lesotho, so we’ve come back now,” added Dr Ellis.

“We played in other provinces, and I know Bloemfontein loves football, I’ve seen it with the U23s, with Bafana Bafana and hopefully they can come out in their numbers. We just want to put up a good performance and work on a few things. We have a few days to prepare, and it is work in progress. We also have to be at our best when we play better opposition, this is a rehearsal but it’s still an Olympic qualifier.”

Meanwhile Dr Ellis has called Lelona Daweti from Sundowns Ladies following the release of Bonolo Mokoma from the national team camp due to injury.

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