The Cape Peninsula University of Technology will on Thursday confer Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis with an Honorary Doctorate.
This was revealed by the South African Football Association [SAFA] on Tuesday.
Ellis will be one of the 7,000 people whom the University will roll the red carpet for on Thursday.
The reigning CAF Women’s Coach of the Year is set to be recognised for her achievements as a professional sportsperson and as Banyana Banyana’s coach. This includes leading Banyana to the WAFCON title after defeating Morocco 2-1 in the final in 2022. It was also Banyana’s first continental crown.
DESIREE ELLIS TO BE CONFERRED WITH AN HONORARY DOCTORATE
The 61-year-old also guided the team to a historic feat during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Banyana became the first senior national team [men or women] to make it out of the World Cup group stages. This is after they qualified for the Round of 16 after beating Italy 3-2 in their final group match.
“Ellis will be accompanied by members of her family and friends when she is awarded the Honorary Doctorate by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology,” said SAFA.
“Among her many accolades, she secured the Best Coach award in the women’s category to win a record fourth CAF award in the Moroccan city of Marrakech on 11 December 2023.
“This also came just months after she was honoured by President Cyril Ramaphosa with the Order of Ikhamanga in gold for her contribution to sport in 2023,” they said.
BANYANA BANYANA COACH RECOGNISED FOR HER WORK WITH THE NATIONAL TEAM
“Ellis was also one of several recipients who were awarded top honours by President Ramaphosa on 28 April 2023. The coach and her team have won numerous honours in the last few years in recognition of their contribution.”
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