Desiree Ellis: Bayana Bayana Coach Awarded Honourary Doctorate in Sports Management

• Bayana Bayana coach Desiree Ellis has been awarded an honourary doctorate
• The South Africa Women's coach was hounoured for her achievement in sports
• She led the Bayana Byana to their first-ever Women's AFCON title in 2022

Head coach of the South African female national team, Desiree Ellis, has been awarded an honorary doctorate in Sports Management by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

The 2022 Africa Women's Cup of Nations winning coach was awarded the degree for his contribution to sports in South Africa and the continent at large.

Ms Ellis played for the Bayana Bayana before later becoming a coach of the national team.

After many attempts at winning the Women's Cup of Nations, the 61-year-old led the team to triumph at the 2022 tournament in Morocco.

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She also guided the team to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand last year, where South Africa reached the second round.

“If the team does well, then individuals stand out and I am fortunate that I am sometimes one of those individuals,” Ellis said as she received her award, as quoted by MSN.

“At the end of the day, if you are qualified then that space you want is not set aside for a male or female. Don’t be afraid of failing because that strengthens you and you get another opportunity to succeed later.

“To the females out there, just go for it, because other women who come from your neighbourhood are watching and want to emulate you.”

Chair of Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Dr Laurine Platzky, stated how proud she was of Ellis' journey in sports.

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“Not only is Desiree’s message of hard work and patient persistence so important to all our young girls, but as a role model she lives a principled life untainted by the glamour of the spotlight," said Dr Platzky.

“May this honorary degree be a recognition of her determined contribution to our country and an inspiration to all sportswomen.”

South Africa's attempt to qualify for the Olympic Games came to a crashing end after losing to the Super Falcons of Nigeria, as reported by Forbes.

Super Falcons beat South Africa in Olympic Games qualifiers

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that the Super Falcons of Nigeria claimed a crucial win over Banyana Banyana of South Africa to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Randy Waldrum's side earned a deserved 1-0 win over Desiree Ellis's South African side at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja before travelling to South Africa for the second leg, which ended in a goalless draw.

A first-half goal from Rasheedat Ajibade was enough to send Nigeria to Paris.