Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis (pictured) emphasized that she “had to put the record straight “- and rightfully so!
Ellis followed up her interview on Robert Marawa’s sports show, #MSW on Friday morning when she had a brief word with our website before jumping onto a plane.
“Football is a matter of opinion – and yes, we are not saying don’t criticise, but people are human first before they are sportspeople and we know people have committed suicide due to mental health,” said Ellis.
“So, we have to think before we say all these things. Get the facts first (man) before you jump onto something someone has said or what I supposedly should have said – get the facts, get the facts because you are judging people before you get the facts,” she added.
It is no secret that many questioned Ellis’ appointment from the outset judging by the flack and criticism she received during her tenure as head coach of the women’s national team – especially leading up to and during the World Cup Down Under. She was especially criticised for her team selections.
The former Salt River resident indicated that she is also fully aware that many wanted her to fail but she proved her haters wrong by rubbing their noses in the sand with more historical achievements to her already impressive CV.
‘Des’ as she is affectionately known, constantly had to defend her decisions and team selections which is a slap in her face and uncalled for, especially given her success and growth with Banyana Banyana since her appointment in 2016 on an interim basis.
Even back then she was doubted and wasn’t given the necessary respect after her temporary appointment seven years ago.
Her success with Banyana Banyana, which included the Women’s African Cup of Nations title, a record seventh Cosafa Cup title – as well as securing a first-ever World Cup spot in France in 2019 – forced the South African Football Association to come to their senses and hand her a permanent position as the Head Coach.
“Oh, I know, I know this all too well, but I don’t allow myself to get sidetracked with this,” Ellis concluded.
One Response
When an official is appointed by SAFA [South African Fools Association], that official has met the basic requirement : Sing from the same hymn book, rubber stamp our views, including the politics. Even if you disagree with SAFA’s philosophies, vehemently, tow the line and you’ll be fine, otherwise,……. I’m not interested in listening to rethorical crap. She’s the SAW coach, and I for one, could not care cahoots. Failure or success on the sports field, in the eyes of the human being is like beauty in the eye of the beholder. Her appointment is totally irrelevant, as in life there are far more important issues. Smart, knowledgeable and better-equipped individuals are not interested in such positions as for them sound morals are preferable to distorted views, horrendous ideologies, confused philosophies and pathetic values [which to me are prevalent in SAFA]. Desiree Ellis applied to be appointed, she was appointed, and I’m totally unconcerned about her views. It’s convenient to use the saying “Imperfect human beings make imperfect decisions” . Sport will never be remotely equal to spirituality. SA as the most unequal country in the distribution of wealth, is also the most unequal country in terms of sound decision-making.