South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis will be one of the recipients of the country’s National Orders, The Order Of Ikhamanga.
The Senior Women’s National Coach will be honoured at the investiture ceremony to be help on the 28th of April, along with other nominated local and foreign nationals.
‘’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.
‘’I am so happy because this is huge, getting this national honour is like getting knighthood,’’ the former Banyana Banyana player added.
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 Order Of Ikhamanga recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport and coach Ellis has been 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.
Ellis took Banyana Banyana to victory in the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and subsequently was also voted CAF’s Women Coach of the Year for the third successive year. Winning WAFCON also ensured that Banyana qualify for the second successive FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this coming July.
Ellis says this recognition is one of the highlights of her career as a coach.
‘’This could not have been possible without the solid support from the Association, especially the President and his team,’’ said an elated Ellis, who admitted this amazing honour bestowed on her had not sunk in yet.
The National Orders also recognise the contributions made by individuals towards building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa as envisaged in the country’s Constitution.
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