Head coach of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana, Desiree Ellis, was on Friday (28 April 2023) honoured by South Africa’s state President Cyril Ramaphosa, with the Order of Ikhamanga in gold for her contribution in sport.
Held at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, the Capetonian was among several recipients awarded top honours.
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.
“I am very overwhelmed, I will be honest with you, this feels like getting a knighthood. I am very grateful. I am very blessed to be able to receive it and I am even more blessed that for the first time at any event my mother has been able to come with me. So, this is very special,” Ellis told the media in Pretoria after receiving her award.
“I work in a team sport, I don’t work alone so it’s a big thank you to the Banyana Banyana players, the staff and everyone else involved in women’s football, SAFA, Sasol, coaches who have come before us, coaches in the league and most of all people that have been with me on my journey – a big thank you to them.”
At the prestigious ceremony, President Ramaphosa also bestowed the Order of Mendi for Bravery, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Luthuli, the Order of Mapungubwe as well as the Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo to deserving recipients.
The Order of Ikhamanga is a South African honour granted by the President of South Africa for achievements in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism, and sports.
President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), Dr Danny Jordaan, himself a recipient of the Order of Ikhamanga in gold, applauded Ellis.
“Through her amazing achievements, coach Desiree Ellis has become a continental brand and this latest honour further cements her status as one of the best football coaches in the country, and on the African continent,” Dr Jordaan told SAFA.net
“She has achieved some wonderful accomplishments in a sport predominantly dominated by her male counterparts. I hope this Presidential honour will inspire her and the girls at the forthcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.”
Ellis is well aware that hard work lies ahead as she and her technical team are planning for the demise of their Group G opponents at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup – Sweden, Argentina and Italy.
The women’s global football spectacle takes place from 20 July to 20 August.
“Preparations have gone well so far, we have another training camp starting on Monday (1 May 2023) with just local-based players for a week. We may have another one in June as part of our last preparations and make the selection for the final squad – which is going to be very difficult, as it is right now selecting just a squad coming to the training camp, but as a coach that the headache you want,” added Ellis.
The former Banyana Banyana captain and midfielder is the reigning African Woman Coach of the Year for the third year in a row.
She will be heading to her second FIFA Women’s World Cup following her maiden appearance as a coach in France in 2019.
Under the tutelage of Ellis, South Africa romped to their first ever continental glory after defeating hosts Morocco 2-1 in the final in July last year.
By Matlhomola Morake
