SHE-RO: Coach Desiree Ellis has put South African football back on the map

Johannesburg – In all aspects of society, there are phenomenal women who are making a difference in the lives of those around them while also striving to new heights. This Women’s Month, The Saturday Star will be profiling some of the nation’s leading ladies.

In need of inspiration and motivation?

South Africans have to look no further than our very own Desiree Ellis who has taken 2022 by storm.

Not only did she walk away with the Women's Coach of the Year for a third successive time at the 2022 Confederation of African Football Awards in Rabat, Morocco recently, but the 59-year-old also guided Banyana Banyana to their first Women’s African Cup of Nations trophy in their history.

Refiloe Jane and Desiree Ellis coach of South Africa during the South Africa Training on the 10 of May 2019 at Santa Clara University , USA Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

Banyana Banyana led by Coach Desiree, carved their name in the history books by winning the WAFCON in July in Morocco against the host nation, creating yet another memorable sporting moment for the country.

The last and only time the country had been treated to such a feat was when the men’s team conquered the continent back in 1996.

As Captain 22 years ago, Ellis along with her team had suffered a devastating 2-0 defeat to Nigeria, but this momentous victory offered an opportunity to more than make up for what will now surely only be but a blip in the hearts and minds of a loyal following of football fans.

Desiree Ellis, coach of South Africa during the 2018 Cosafa Womens Cup Draw at the Cosafa House, Joburg on 29 August 2018 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

South Africa, alongside Nigeria, are the only two countries on the continent to have conquered the sports with both the male and female teams.

Ellis, who grew up in Salt River, in the Western Cape, has steered the ship carrying the hopes of South African women’s soccer significantly closer to being recognised and appreciated locally, as well as on the world stage.

During her playdays, she represented the likes of Spur Ladies as a midfielder, along with being a founding and the second captain of Banyana Banyana.

But painting her with just one brush does an unmissable injustice to a lady who has continuously and tirelessly worked to improve and gather support for the female version of the game.

She has held the position of vice-president of the Western’s Football Association from 1994 to 1995, later becoming the PRO of the association from 1996 – 1997.