Desiree Ellis appointed as Banyana coach

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Months after leading Banyana Banyana to the Cosafa Cup title, Desiree Ellis has officially been named coach of the South African ladies national team.

The South African Football Association [SAFA] publicised the announcement at their headquarters on Thursday morning at a press conference.

The 54-year-old former Banyana captain took over the reins after Dutch coach Vera Pauw resigned following a disappointing showing at the Rio Olympic games.

SAFA president Danny Jordaan suggested that it was an easy decision and revealed Ellis’ three major objectives whoch will make up her mandate.

‘We have to move quickly early in the new year because next year is going to be tough for the team,’ he told the media.

‘We have to qualify for the CAF Africa Women’s Championships in Ghana, and there we must finish in the top three to qualify for the World Cup in France.

‘We need to empower our women and give them all the support they need.

‘Most of them went straight from playing to coaching without going through the coaching ranks. It is our responsibility to make sure they get the necessary support,’ he said.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/Backpagepix

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Marshall Gouts