Banyana Banyana’s head coach, Desiree Ellis, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) on Thursday, 25 April 2024.
The ceremony took place at CPUT Bellville campus in Cape Town.
Desiree Ellis has spent over 21 years with Banyana Banyana, 11 years as a player and 10 years as a coach.
The Banyana Banyana coach said being awarded the honorary doctorate meant a lot for her because it showed that her work was recognised.
“I am really excited, and the fact that it’s in my home city makes it more special as my family can attend this special occasion and celebrate with me,” Ellis said.
Ellis led Banyana Banyana to victory in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Morocco 2-1 in the 2022 final, clinching their maiden continental title.
She then led the team to a historic achievement at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they became the first-ever South African senior national team, regardless of gender, to advance beyond the group stage of the tournament.
Among her numerous accolades, she received the Best Coach award in the women’s category, securing her fourth CAF award in Marrakech on December 11, 2023.
This recognition followed closely after she was bestowed with the Order of Ikhamanga in gold by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2023, honoring her significant contributions to sports.