“They Will Really Test Us” – Ellis Ahead of Banyana Banyana’s High-Stakes Clash with Copper Queens

Zambia’s Copper Queens and South Africa’s Banyana Banyana renew their rivalry today in the Three Nations Challenge at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.

Banyana Banyana defeated Botswana 3-2 in their first game, while Zambia were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by the Mares last Saturday.

Speaking ahead of today’s match, South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis said it will be a completely different game, emphasizing the opportunity to assess more players against a Zambian side she believes will provide a solid test.

“That’s a completely different game. This is also about us having a look at more players, because that is what we got the international friendlies for – to have a look at players and also to see where the players are at who came to camp,” Ellis said. “But we think they [Zambia] will really test us. We don’t take into account the game against Botswana because when you play different opponents, you are not prepared differently, but you plan differently.

“And we know they’re going to bring a lot of things that we need to be better at. We also know they’re going to challenge us in a different way than Botswana challenged us, but we need to be better defensively.”

Ellis wants improved performance

Ellis wants an improved performance from her team, stating: “We’re looking for an improved performance in all areas, better on the ball, better organized, creating more chances, putting more chances on target but it will be a different test altogether.”

For Nora Hauptle, this game presents yet another opportunity to try out players, especially as she now has a full squad available since being appointed head coach of the Copper Queens in February.

Nora Häuptle’s first training session with the Copper Queens at the Toyota Arena in Lusaka. (Photo via FAZ media)

Since taking charge, the Swiss coach has overseen five matches: a 2-0 win and a 3-2 home defeat against Malawi, a 3-2 loss to Thailand, a 4-3 victory over Uzbekistan, and last week’s 1-1 draw with Botswana. She will be looking to record a win today following that disappointing draw.

Both South Africa and Zambia are preparing for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to take place from 5th to 26th July 2025 in Morocco.