On Tuesday night (30 May 2023), a book about Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis’s rise from Salt River, Cape Town, to the world stage was released in Sandton, Johannesburg.
The book “Magic,” written by sports journalist Luke Alfred, follows Ellis’ journey from playing football with boys because there were no women’s teams in her neighborhood to playing in the senior women’s national team of South Africa.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to sports, President Cyril Ramaphosa bestowed the Order of Ikhamanga in gold on Ellis in April 2023.
After defeating hosts Morocco 2-1 in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Banyana Banyana became African champions and qualified for a second consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July.
After leading the senior women’s national team of South Africa to its first WAFCON championship, Ellis was also named CAF’s Women Coach of the Year for the third year in a row.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – MAY 17: during the South African national womens soccer team squad announcement at SAFA House on May 17, 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images)
CENTRAL NEWS
—————————————————————
DO YOU HAVE A NEWS STORY OR AN OPINION FOR CENTRAL NEWS: E-mail us : newsroom@centralnews.co.za or Whatsapp us on 0814955487