Head Coach of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana, Desiree Ellis, continues to collect awards.
On Friday, 8 May 2024 – what is known around the world as the International Women’s Day – the Capetonian was named the 2024 Forbes Woman Africa Sports Award winner.
The African Champion was among royalty at the Gala Dinner held at the Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, which celebrated women excelling in different sectors and industries across the continent.
Ellis shared the stage with, among others, African Stateswoman and former South Africa’s First Lady, Graca Machel, who walked away with the 2024 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Lifetime Achievement Award, which she dedicated to women.
Also getting recognition on the night included:
- South African middle-distance runner and Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya:
(2024 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Champion of Change Award)
- South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha:
(2024 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Entertainer Award)
- South African actress Connie Ferguson:
(2024 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Media Icon Award)
- CEO at Ebony Life Mo Abudu:
(2024 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Businesswoman Award)
- Prof. Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Associate Scientific Director – CAPRISA:
(2024 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Academic Excellence Award)
“Woke up this morning with immense pride and gratitude as the 2024 Forbes Woman Africa Sports Award Winner. It is truly an honour to be recognised among such incredible women who have conquered the world with grace, strength, and determination in their respective fields. Last night was a real life dream. This incredible recognition is testament to the countless hours of hard work, dedication, and sacrifices made by the Banyana Banyana Technical team, coaching staff, players and also our fans” she said in a social media post.
“I am so grateful for the opportunities and belief which has allowed me to get to where I am today. Together, we have shattered stereotypes and proven that gender is never a limitation when it comes to achieving greatness in sports. We have shown the world that we are not just athletes; we are warriors, role models, and trailblazers. This award is not just for me, but for every woman who has defied odds, shattered stereotypes, and pushed boundaries in the world of sports. Together, we are redefining what it means to be a female athlete. Thank you, @forbeswomanafrica , for this incredible honour!”
The award is the first of the year for Ellis, but comes at the back of several big accolades she has already bagged.
In December last year she was named the 2023 Women’s Coach of the Year – for the fourth time in a row (2018, 2019, 2022 & 2023).
Early in 2023 (28 April), Ellis was honoured by South Africa’s State President, Cyril Ramaphosa when he bestowed her with the Order of Ikhamanga in gold for her contribution in sport.
- National Orders are the highest awards that the country bestows on its citizens and eminent foreign nationals who have contributed towards the advancement of democracy and have made a significant impact on improving the lives of South Africans.
The latest award from Forbes comes as Ellis is busy finalising her squad for the crucial fourth and final round of the 2024 Paris Olympic qualifiers where they will come up against bitter rivals Nigeria in a winner takes all affair.
The two giants of African women’s football lock horns between 1-9 April to battle it out for a ticket to Paris, to be among the 12 best nations.
Ellis is expected to name her squad in the coming days.
By Matlhomola Morake
