How Mabe stopped Banyana coach Ellis from resigning

Deputy minister says the girls need their mentor

- By Kgomotso Mokoena

Deputy Minister of Sports Peace Mabe has explained how she intervened and played a role in convincing Desiree Ellis not to resign as head coach of Banyana Banyana at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in July.

Last month, Sunday World reported that Ellis was gatvol and was on the verge of calling it quits from the federation she has served with aplomb.

One of the reasons for her intended quitting was that she had been coaching the national team and former African champions without a formal contract after her previous one expired in July 2022.

Also the camp in Morocco was shrouded in chaos, and Ellis had to navigate a bunch of unhappy players, with some of the senior footies opting to miss out on the spectacle. The players boycotted training before the tournament started, and also later in the middle of the competition.