A book documenting Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis’ rise from Salt River, Cape Town, to the world stage was launched in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Tuesday night (30 May 2023).
Written by sports journalist Luke Alfred, the book titled “Magic” follows Ellis’ beginnings from playing football with boys due to the absence of women’s teams in her neighborhood to eventually starring for the South African senior women’s national team.
Ellis’ star continues to shine bright and in April 2023 President Cyril Ramaphosa honoured her with the Order of Ikhamanga in gold for her contribution to sport.
Banyana Banyana won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to become African champions last year after beating hosts Morocco 2-1 in the final and in the process qualified for a second successive FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this coming July.
Ellis was also voted CAF’s Women Coach of the Year for the third successive year after leading the South African senior women’s national team to a maiden WAFCON title.
SOURCED FROM THE SAFA WEBSITE.
