Desiree Ellis equipping her Banyana team for tough encounters against Jamaica

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis is expecting tough encounters against Jamaica in their two international friendly matches, starting on Saturday at Catherine Hall Sports Complex in Montego Bay.

Banyana will be determined to regain momentum with a win following last month's defeats to Denmark and England. The two matches will also serve as vital preparation for next year's Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where they will be looking to defend their crown.

The reigning African champions have been placed in a tricky group alongside Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania.

Goodmorning from Montego Bay 🏝

It's match day and there seems to be some confusion 😕

🇯🇲vs🇿🇦
📍Montego Bay

📆29 November 2024 (this will be the morning of 30 November in SA because Jamaica is 7 hours behind SA)

🕝20h00 local time (SA time 03h00😮)
🏟 Catherine Hall… pic.twitter.com/3GBZXEOmSo

— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) November 29, 2024

Speaking to www.safa.net, Ellis said they will look to use two friendlies against the 'Reggae Girls' to try out new combinations, adding they are looking forward to the two matches.

"The Jamaicans will give us a good run for our money. We will be looking to ensure that we build on keeping the ball, creating and converting chances, but also maintaining our defensive structure," Ellis said.

The reigning African Women's football coach of the year emphasised that while the team will be fully focused on their upcoming match against Jamaica, they will also use the opportunity to assess potential players for the continental showpiece in Morocco.

“Now that the draw for the 2024 WAFCON is out, we are focusing on how we will play against the opponents we have in our group. However, as much as we are preparing for our opponents, we are also looking at players that may end up making our WAFCON squad.

“We have brought many young players to Jamaica who have raised their hands up in the league, and this is a great opportunity for them to fight for spots in the national team," Ellis concluded.