South Africa’s most successful women’s football coach, Desiree Ellis, is heading to Morocco to defend her Women’s AFCON crown — but she’s doing it without a signed contract.
Four-time CAF Women’s Coach of the Year and the mastermind behind Banyana Banyana’s historic 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, Ellis remains in limbo.
It’s been nearly 14 months since her contract with the South African Football Association (SAFA) expired – and nothing official has been put in place since.
Yet, she still leads the team.
Appointed in 2016 after Vera Pauw’s departure and confirmed permanently in 2018, Ellis has not only guided South Africa to back-to-back FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances but also reached the Round of 16 at the 2023 tournament.
Despite her accolades, she travels to WAFCON 2024 contractless – again.
When asked about the situation, SAFA President Danny Jordaan downplayed concerns, calling it “an administration issue.”
SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao added:
“The fact is – the Banyana Banyana coach’s contract ended the day we failed to qualify for the Olympics [9 April 2024]. After that, we issued another contract and put it on the table. We are now waiting for the technical committee to guide us on a reappointment.”
Monyepao also confirmed that a performance-based bonus structure was offered, should Ellis defend the WAFCON title in Morocco.
Yet, the delay has raised eyebrows across the football community. After nearly a decade of service and a trophy cabinet to match, the silence from SAFA’s leadership is drawing criticism.
“Desiree Ellis has done more for women’s football in South Africa than anyone else in history,” said a source close to the team. “If she hasn’t earned job security, who has?”
As it stands, Ellis remains the heart of the team, leading from the front with the same quiet resolve she’s always shown. No public complaint. No visible frustration.
