Banyana coach to be bestowed with the highest recognition |

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis is set to be bestowed with the highest recognition by South African president Cyril Ramaphosa. 

The three-time CAF Women’s Coach of The Year, Ellis, was in a jubilation mood to learn that she will be one of the recipients of the country’s National Order, The Order Of Ikhamanga.

The investiture ceremony will be held on Friday, 28 April 2023.

This ceremony recognises the contributions made by individuals towards building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa as envisaged in our Constitution, as defined by the presidency department.

‘I AM SUPER BLESSED’

Coach Ellis noted that this recognition is one of the highlights of her coaching career thus far.

‘’I am super blessed but at the same time very emotional,” Ellis told SAFA’s media department. 

“Football is a team sport and this award is not about me but everyone who contributed to the success of Banyana Banyana, from the players, the technical staff as well as the backroom staff.

‘’This could not have been possible without the solid support from the Association, especially the President and his team.”

The 2022 WAFCON winning coach went on to say that this is such a privilege and an honour to be bestowed by the president. 

‘’I am so happy because this is huge, getting this national honour is like getting a knighthood,’’ she added.

South Africa are now in preparations for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup. The tournament will take place in Australia and New Zealand. 

The World Cup will start from July 20 until August 20.

President Ramaphosa will also bestow other deserving recipients for the Order of Mendi for Bravery, Ikhamanga and Baobab. As well as the Order of Luthuli, Mapungubwe and Companions of O.R. Tambo.

RELATED STORY: Desiree Ellis on Janine van Wyk: ‘We know what she can do’