Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis is set to be among the recipients of this year’s National Order of Ikhamanga.
The ceremony will be hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa on April 28, 2023.
The National Orders 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.
Ellis will be bestowed the Order of Ikhamanga which recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
The former Banyana captain has been given this special recognition for her outstanding contribution to football, where she guided the national senior women’s team to their maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco last year.
Winning the WAFCON also meant Banyana qualified for the 2023 FIFA women’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand between the 20th of July and 20 August 2023.
Ellis is also currently the reigning the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Coach of the Year – winning the award in 2018, 2019 and 2022.
On the South African Football Association (SAFA) website Ellis said this recognition is one of the highlights of her career as a coach.
‘’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,’’ said an elated Ellis, who admitted this amazing honour bestowed on her had not sunk in yet.
‘’I am so happy because this is huge, getting this national honour is like getting knighthood,’’ she added.
President Ramaphosa will also bestow deserving recipients in the following categories:
- 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.
