Banyana Banyana head coach Dr. Desiree Ellis, celebrated for her historic leadership in women’s football, will be inducted into the South African Hall of Fame on Wednesday, 20 November 2024. The induction ceremony, held at the Montecasino Ballroom, will recognize Ellis alongside other prominent figures who have left an indelible mark on South African soccer.
Dr. Ellis, who led Banyana Banyana to their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations victory in Morocco in 2022, is one of the country’s most celebrated coaches. In a statement, the South African Hall of Fame praised the inductees as “legends who have shaped the history of South African football.” The event will host distinguished guests from sports, entertainment, and government as they pay tribute to the contributions of Ellis and her fellow honorees, who include former Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba, former national captains Neil Tovey and Lucas Radebe, and football icons Patrick “Ace” Ntsoelengoe, Jomo Sono, and Nelson “Teenage” Dladla.
Expressing gratitude, Dr. Ellis said, “I am truly humbled and blessed. A big thank you to the South African Hall of Fame for the induction. A big thank you to the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Sasol for the unwavering support. I have to also say a very big thank you to the Banyana Banyana players and the staff, because we always speak about teamwork.”
SAFA President Dr. Danny Jordaan commended Ellis’s impact, calling her “a shining beacon and ambassador for South African football” who continues to inspire players and coaches alike. “This recognition is truly well-deserved,” said Jordaan.
Ellis’s induction places her alongside other South African luminaries such as Nelson Mandela, golfer Gary Player, and the 1995 and 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok teams, underscoring her profound impact on sport and society in South Africa.
