President Cyril Ramaphosa has honoured Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis for her contribution to sport.
Ellis guided the women's national side to their first Africa Cup of Nations title last year, which also saw the side qualify for their second FIFA Women's World Cup.
Ellis received the honour on Friday at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Bryntirion, Pretoria.
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"I am very overwhelmed, I will be honest with you, this feels like getting a knighthood," Ellis said, as per SAFA.net.
"I am very grateful, I am very blessed to be able to receive it and I am even more blessed that for the first time at any event my mother has been able to come with me. So this is very special."
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan has also applauded the Banyana tactician for her achievement.
"Through her amazing achievements, coach Desiree Ellis has become a continental brand and this latest honour further cements her status as one of the best football coaches in the country, and on the African continent," the SAFA President said.
"She has achieved some wonderful accomplishments in a sport predominantly dominated by her male counterparts. I hope this Presidential honour will inspire her and the girls at the forthcoming FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand."
