29 March 2018 – The National Assembly in the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa has lauded Desiree Ellis’ appointment as head coach of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Baleka Mbete (MP), has sent a congratulatory letter to Ellis regarding her new role.

 

“The Assembly further noted your contribution in calibrating Banyana Banyana, which saw you earning 32 caps during your tenure, cannot go unnoticed,” wrote Mbete.

“The Assembly wishes you well in your endeavor to qualify for the 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Ghana, including the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France and the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.”

The Fifth Session of the Fifth Parliament sat on Tuesday, 27 February 2018.

Ellis took up her new post just over a month ago (22 February 2018), after being in an acting capacity since 2016 after the Rio Olympic Games.

She was previously the assistant to former head coach Vera.

Since her appointment, the former Banyana Banyana captain has already taken the team to the Cyprus Women’s Cup where she finished in 6th place out of 12 countries.

In the four matches played, South Africa defeated Hungary, drew against Slovakia and Korea DPR but lost to Belgium.