Banyana head coach Ellis urges those in power to lead by example

CAPE TOWN - Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis, is calling on those in positions of influence to lead by example.

Ellis was speaking at a graduation ceremony at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Bellville on Thursday, where she was awarded with an honorary doctorate recognising her contribution to women’s football.

Ellis said she has encouraged her players to invest in education so they can still continue to have a life after football.

According to Ellis, football is still a difficult sport for women to succeed in due to a lack of sponsorship willing to recognise and support women's football.

The Banyana Banyana coach has called on young girls in sport to continue working hard on their craft and not be deterred by failure.

"When you get the opportunity, grab it with both hands because the space that's there doesn't say male or female, doesn't have a name on there. Sometimes, we are afraid that we are going to fail and we don't take up that space. But the worst that can happen is we fail, and then through that, we build character and you make sure that through that failure you drive yourself."

Ellis added that she would continue working hard to ensure that women's football was recognised at the same level as the male version.