She may have guided Banyana Banyana to a historic Round of 16 qualification at the FIFA Women’s World Cup last month, but the Siya crew understands coach Desiree Ellis hasn’t yet held any contract talks.
The 60-year-old former national team captain ascended to the hot seat first when Vera Pauw vacated the post and was then subsequently appointed as her predecessor in February 2018 by SAFA. For Ellis, the mandate was clear: guide Banyana to the Olympic Games, World Cup and win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Under her tutelage, Banyana have been able to reach the global showpiece twice and were last year crowned Wafcon champions after beating hosts Morocco 2-1 in Rabat to take the title home. But Ellis is still chasing that elusive appearance at the Olympics having failed to qualify for the Tokyo event in 2021.
