Desiree Ellis calls for dominance as Banyana eye COSAFA Cup final spot

South Africa managed to finish top of Group A with seven points, after beating Malawi 2-0 and Angola 2-0, before playing to a 1-1 draw against Lesotho.

Ellis described the encounter as another valuable opportunity to assess combinations as she works towards selecting her final squad for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

"We also have to manage the minutes. I think that is really important, and we have done fantastically so far in managing them because it's about that as well – getting game time but managing the minutes," said Ellis

"We are really on track to do that. As you saw in the previous game, we made a lot of changes and some players were not in the matchday squad, so we are also looking at making sure that there is enough recovery and rest in between. Obviously, that's very important for us going forward because you don't want to let people break down when you get to WAFCON. 

"You want to make sure that you have done the right things before that. So yes, the game is important, you take every game seriously and important, but you also have to remember the bigger picture is WAFCON."

Despite going unbeaten in their three group-stage fixtures, Ellis admits her youthful squad must maintain consistency and concentration in every match until the final whistle.

"Working on certain things, and sometimes it comes right and sometimes it doesn't,  so we are looking for that consistency. For example, in our build-up we want a little more consistency in our overall play. Even in the final third we are looking for a little bit more consistency, and for our midfield to get more involved in the game. But it will take time with a new group, and we know what the bigger picture is."

The 62-year-old mentor says the team’s target was to play five matches in the tournament - and she is pleased they remain on course to achieving that objective. Ellis believes the additional fixtures will be crucial in fine-tuning combinations ahead of WAFCON.