Banyana Banyana, Latest News, National Teams, Sasol League

Ellis joins distinguished list of football recipients of Order of Ikhamanga

Posted on by CentreCircle
18
Apr

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has described being bestowed with a National Order as similar to “getting knighthood.”

The Capetonian is in line to receive the Order of Ikhamanga (gold) which will be conferred to her by the State President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa later this month (28 April 2023) in Pretoria.

The list also includes Cell C Sharks and Springbok captain Siya Kolisi; South African poet and filmmaker Duma ka Ndlovu; Journalist and Television anchor Freek Robinson as well as film and television producer Mfundi Fundla, among others.

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 super blessed but at the same time very emotional. 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 back room staff. ’This could not have been possible without the solid support from the Association, especially the President and his team. I am so happy because this is huge, getting this national honour is like getting knighthood,’’ Ellis told SAFA.net

The former Banyana Banyana captain joins a list of distinguished individuals in football who have already been bestowed with the Order of Ikhamanga, which recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.

Previous recipients in football include, among others, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan (football administration); PSL Chairman and SAFA Vice President Dr Irvin Khoza (football administration); former SAFA President Dr Molefi Oliphant (football administration); Kaizer Chiefs Chairman Dr Kaizer Motaung; Jomo Cosmos boss Dr Jomo Sono; George Singh (football administration); former Bafana Bafana captains Lucas Radebe and Neil Tovey; the late Steve Kalamazoo Mokone (football); the late Patrick Ace Ntsoelengoe; 2010 FIFA World Cup Bid Committee and Makana Football Association.

Ellis will be bestowed this special recognition for her excellent contribution to football, a male-dominated sport. Her sustained excellence provides encouragement to women to excel in their respective fields of endeavour.

In July this year, she will lead the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana at their second consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will take place in Australia and New Zealand.

South Africa has been drawn in Group G alongside Sweden, Italy and Argentina.

Ellis was also in charge when Banyana Banyana made their first appearance at the 2019 edition of the global women’s football showpiece in France.

The Senior women’s National team are the current continental champions after lifting their maiden title in July last year in Morocco, following a 2-1 victory over the hosts.

Ellis is also the reigning African Woman Coach of the year – a title she has won three times in a row.

At the prestigious ceremony, President Ramaphosa will also bestow the Order of Mendi for Bravery, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Luthuli, the Order of Mapungubwe and the Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo to deserving recipients.


NB:

  • The Order of Ikhamanga is a South African honour
  • It was instituted on 30 November 2003 and is granted by the President of South Africa for achievements in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism, and sports (which were initially recognised by the Order of the Baobab)
  • The order has three classes:
  • Gold (OIG), for exceptional achievement,
  • Silver (OIS), for excellent achievement,
  • Bronze (OIB), for outstanding achievement.

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS:

Gold:

Silver:

Bronze:

By Matlhomola Morake

CentreCircle