Banyana Banyana Coach Desiree Ellis Launches Book
Banyana Banyana Coach Desiree Ellis Launches Book. The ports fraternity is now leading the way with books. Just now, Caster Semenya announced that come October 31st, she will be dropping her memoir. Titled, The Race to Be Myself, the book will also launch in the US as well as in the UK.
Another phenomenal sportswoman has just launched her own book. Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis’s book documents her life as she rose from Salt River, Cape Town, to the world stage. The book titled “Magic”,was launched in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Tuesday night (30 May 2023).
“Magic” is written by sports journalist Luke Alfred. It follows Ellis’ beginnings from playing football with boys due to the absence of women’s teams in her neighborhood to eventually starring for the South African senior women’s national team.
Amidst all the difficulties before her, Ellis has achieved the most in her career. Through her guidance, Banyana Banyana won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to become African champions last year. The squad beat hosts Morocco 2-1 in the final and in the process qualified for a second successive FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this coming July.
Ellis was also voted CAF’s Women Coach of the Year for the third successive year after leading the South African senior women’s national team to a maiden WAFCON title.
Earlier this year President Cyril Ramaphosa honored her with the Order of Ikhamanga in gold for her contribution to sport.
Her book is definitely going to be inspiring, more so for the young girl out there wanting to pursue football as a career. It will also come in handy for women in male dominated fields.
