Head Coach of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana, Desiree Ellis, has now added a new title to her name, and will now be known as Dr Desiree Ellis.
This comes after she was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Sports Management by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) at a ceremony that formed part of the institution’s Autumn Graduation series that included over 7000 students.
Dr Ellis was accompanied to the special event by her mother and family, as well as friend, Ilhaam Groenewald, who is the Chief Director of Sport at Stellenbosch University.
Broadcast live on the institution’s website, the audience cheered when her achievements were read before she was called up to receive her Honorary Doctorate.
“I am speechless and in complete awe,” said Dr Ellis earlier, “I am really excited that it’s in my home city, which makes it more special.”
And she had words of advice to the many women who graduated on the day.
“At the end of the day if you are qualified then that space you want is not set aside for a male or female. Don’t be afraid of failing because that strengthens you and you get another opportunity to succeed later. To the females out there, just go for it, because other women who come from your neighbourhood are watching and want to emulate you,” she added.
The Honorary Doctorate is the latest in a string of accolades and achievements over the last few years, chief among others, qualifying Banyana Banyana to two FIFA World Cup tournaments – and earning a history-re-writing spot in the Round of 16, winning the continental women’s title (WAFCON), named CAF of the Year four times in a row, being bestowed with the Order of Ikhamanga by South Africa’ state President Cyril Ramaphosa and also getting Civic Honours from the City of Cape Town.
“These achievements speak volumes of Desiree’s leadership of the national team on a global scale. She epitomises women in sport participation, leadership, and business and she is a positive role model for all future CPUT graduates and especially Sport Management graduates. Our women’s national football team, Banyana Banyana under the leadership of the coach, Desiree Ellis, displays how her passion for excellence provided the foundation for success”.,” said Prof Simeon Davies, Head of the Sports Management Department.
“Her success story means that many young females, could well emulate her accomplishments in their own careers, whether it be business, technology or public service. Through hard work, persistence and her exceptional high standards Desiree Ellis has become a hero to many South Africans, and, because of her challenged upbringing, she especially relates to and inspires so many women in our disadvantaged communities. We believe that her story from modest beginnings in Cape Town and her outstanding leadership on the global stage will inspire CPUT graduates to shape a better world.”
CPUT Chair of Council Dr Laurine Platzky shared the stage with her as she received the honour, and had this to say.
“We are enormously proud of Banyana Banyana and their role on the African continent. Not only is Desiree’s message of hard work and patient persistence so important to all our young girls, but as a role model she lives a principled life untainted by the glamour of the spotlight. May this honorary degree be a recognition of her determined contribution to our country and an inspiration to all sportswomen.”
According to a statement from CPUT, “Nominations for Honorary Doctorate candidates are sourced from within the CPUT community, and the stringent process passes through a number of selection committees before being approved at Council, the highest decision making body at CPUT.”
Ellis joins, amongst others, the likes of Dr Irvin Khoza (PSL Chairman), Dr Danny Jordaan (SAFA President). Dr Molefi Oliphant (Former SAFA President), Dr Kaizer Motaung (Kaizer Chiefs Chairman), Dr Jomo Sono (Jomo Cosmos owner) and Lucas Radebe (former Leeds United and Bafana Bafana captain) who have been honoured with doctorates for their contribution in football.
Also in line to receive an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Johannesburg is former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana Head Coach Pitso Mosimane.
The ceremony will be held in July this year.
By Matlhomola Morake
