Desiree Ellis Secures Four-Year Contract Extension as Banyana Banyana Head Coach
Dr Desiree Ellis has signed a fresh four-year deal to stay on as head coach of Banyana Banyana, the South African women’s national football team. The agreement, announced on 16 October 2025 by the South African Football Association (SAFA), keeps her at the helm until 2029. Ellis, who has been leading the team since 2016, will now focus on guiding the squad through upcoming challenges like the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
This renewal comes after months of uncertainty about her future, with Ellis having worked without a formal contract for periods since her last one expired. Fans and experts alike are excited about the stability it brings, as Banyana Banyana continue to build on their recent successes under her guidance.
Ellis’s Journey with Banyana Banyana: From Interim to Icon
Desiree Ellis took over as interim coach in 2016 after a tough spell for the team. She stepped up from her role as assistant coach, bringing her experience as a former player who captained Banyana Banyana in the 1990s and early 2000s. By 2018, her strong results earned her the full-time position, making her the first woman to lead the team on a permanent basis.
Over the years, Ellis has transformed Banyana Banyana into a force on the African stage and beyond. She has coached them in major tournaments, building a squad known for its discipline and fighting spirit. Her leadership has seen the team qualify for back-to-back FIFA Women’s World Cups, a feat that puts South Africa among the top women’s teams in Africa.
Before coaching, Ellis had a stellar playing career. She debuted for Banyana Banyana in 1993 and earned over 30 caps, often as captain. After retiring, she moved into coaching roles, including with club sides like Spurs Ladies, where she honed her skills before joining the national setup.
Details of the New Contract and SAFA’s Decision
The four-year extension was approved by SAFA’s National Executive Committee (NEC) following discussions on Ellis’s future. This deal replaces her previous arrangement, which had lapsed, leaving her in a limbo that drew public concern. Reports from earlier in the year noted that Ellis had been operating without a contract since 2022 or 2024, depending on the source, but SAFA has now locked her in until 2029.
The agreement reflects SAFA’s confidence in Ellis, especially after her track record of achievements. It also comes at a time when women’s football in South Africa is gaining momentum, with increased funding and attention from sponsors like Sasol.
Ellis expressed her commitment to the role, saying she is eager to continue building the team. SAFA officials have praised her for her dedication and results, noting that the extension provides continuity as Banyana Banyana prepare for key qualifiers and tournaments.
Key Achievements Under Ellis’s Leadership
Since taking charge, Ellis has led Banyana Banyana to some of their biggest milestones. In 2022, she guided the team to their first-ever WAFCON title, beating hosts Morocco 2-1 in the final. This victory was a breakthrough, ending years of near-misses and establishing South Africa as African champions.
The following year, at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Banyana Banyana made history by reaching the Round of 16 for the first time. They stunned Italy 3-2 in their final group game, with goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Hilda Magaia sealing the deal. Although they lost 2-0 to the Netherlands in the knockout stage, the performance boosted the team’s global profile.
Ellis has also focused on developing young talent, integrating players from the under-20 and under-17 teams into the senior squad. Her coaching style emphasises teamwork and resilience, which has helped Banyana Banyana compete against stronger nations. She has been named CAF Women’s Coach of the Year four times, a testament to her impact.
Under her watch, the team has played 80 matches, winning 45, drawing 15, and losing 20, with a goal tally of 170 scored and 85 conceded. These stats show steady improvement, especially in defensive solidity and attacking flair.
Future Goals: Aiming for More Glory
With the new contract in place, Ellis is setting her sights on defending the WAFCON title in 2026 and pushing further at the 2027 World Cup. She aims to qualify strongly for these events and build a squad capable of challenging the world’s best.
Ellis has spoken about the need for better preparation, including more international friendlies and improved support for women’s football. She wants to close the gap with top teams like the USA and European powerhouses by focusing on fitness, tactics, and youth development.
SAFA’s decision to extend her deal aligns with these ambitions, providing the stability needed to plan long-term. The association has also committed to enhancing resources for Banyana Banyana, including better training facilities and equal pay discussions following the team’s World Cup success.
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