Desiree Ellis named Banyana Banyana coach

SA Football Association (Safa) president Dr Danny Jordaan made the announcement at Safa headquarters on Thursday.

“We are glad to announce the appointment of Desiree as Banyana Banyana coach; she fully deserves the appointment as she has come through all the ranks of our national teams,” said Dr Jordaan.

“Desiree has three tasks to achieve; qualify for AFCON 2018 in Ghana, qualify for FIFA World Cup and the Olympics. I am confident Banyana Banyana will be up to the task.”

Ellis has been in charge of Banyana Banyana on an interim basis since 2016 – after the Rio Olympic Games and takes over from former coach Vera Pauw.

The former Banyana captain is looking forward to the challenge of leading the national women’s team on permanent basis.

“It is still sounds unreal; I honestly can’t believe it is really happening. It has always been a dream of mine to be the head coach of Banyana Banyana; nothing comes bigger than this. Being in the acting role since 2016 has probably prepared me for the most daunting task of them all in women’s football. I have always believed, and now it is a reality,” said Ellis.

“I will be failing in my duties if I did not thank the South African Football Association for entrusting me with this job, even in the acting capacity. This appointment can only mean we are doing something right in women’s football, and I hope it becomes a symbol to many girls and women out there that if you dream it, you can live it. I will do the best of my ability to make sure we continue on growing this beautiful game.”

Ellis’ first assignment as head coach will be the Cyprus Women’s Cup.

Banyana Banyana depart for Cyprus on Friday,and will play their first match next Wednesday, against Slovakia.

The other nations in Group C are Korea DPR and Hungary.