Desiree Ellis, the esteemed head coach of Banyana Banyana, was granted an Honorary Doctorate by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. 

This recognition, bestowed on April 25th, acknowledges her significant impact on sports in South Africa. Notably, Ellis led the South African senior women’s team to victory in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2022, securing their first continental title by defeating Morocco 2-1 in the final. 

Under her guidance, the team achieved another milestone at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, becoming the first South African senior national team, regardless of gender, to advance beyond the group stages. 

Ellis’ remarkable achievements were further highlighted when she received the Best Coach award in the women’s category, marking her fourth CAF award, and was honored with the Order of Ikhamanga in gold by President Cyril Ramaphosa for her outstanding contributions to sport in 2023. 

These accolades add to the numerous honours Ellis and her team have garnered in recent years, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the world of sports.