21 November 2024 – Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis is grateful for the way her career has panned out after she was inducted into the South African Hall of Fame yesterday.
The induction into the South African Hall of Fame is the latest accolade for the revered Women’s Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach – who led the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team to the continental title in 2022 in Morocco – after several others she has been awarded in 2024 alone.
Dr Ellis was inducted alongside several figures from South African football on Wednesday, 20 November 2024 and she said being among the distinguished football legends was very special. The inductees included legends such as former Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba, erstwhile South African senior men’s national team captains Neil Tovey and Lucas Radebe, and the legendary Patrick “Ace”Ntsoelengoe, Jomo Sono and Nelson “Teenage” Dladla.
“To listen to their stories was absolutely amazing and incredible, and many people in the room could relate to that. I just need to thank a lot of people who were part of my journey because without their contribution, I wouldn’t be standing where I am. A special mention, of course, must go to the Banyana Banyana players, the staff, the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Sasol. I don’t work in isolation,” she said.
“I think it’s through their fantastic efforts that I’m able to stand up there. And also, a big thank you to everyone out there that works in women’s sport and women’s football because we all know the challenges we face. But through all of that, we’re still able to perform on the international arena. Again, a big thank you to SAFA and Sasol for their unwavering support, and of course, the new player in women’s football, VW, who has come on board.”
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan congratulated the Banyana Banyana coach on her latest accolade and said her star keeps shining brighter. “Desiree has been an incredible ambassador for South African football and it is amazing and special to see her being recognised for her tireless effort and dedication to the game. Congratulations coach Desiree,” the SAFA President said.
Dr Ellis said all these partnerships make the game better and bigger, and also help it grow through their contribution.
“We can only get better and bigger from here onwards. Thank you to everyone. There are so too many to mention but thank you to everyone who’s been part of my journey. As they say, we’re not done yet. A special mention to my family who have always been there, always supporting from afar. I want to say thank you to them.”
