Time for change in Banyana’s leadership

THE winds of change must blow within the senior national women’s team setup. It is clear that the binder that is supposed to hold the structure together has lost its bearings. Desiree Ellis achieved the improbable with Banyana Banyana over the years, and for that, the nation will always worship the ground she walks on.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Perhaps, if it wasn't for her, Banyana wouldn't be regarded as one of the powerhouses of African football today as many came and failed before her! Under Ellis’ tutelage, the SA women’s national team broke barriers, won their maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) and qualified for back-to-back World Cups.

And so, given all that she’s done and more, she’s duly befitting of all the recognition that she’s received, including the Order of Ikhamanga and an honourary doctorate.

But as rousing as that may have been, Banyana’s unsavoury fourth-place finish at recent Wafcon and allegations against Ellis don't mitigate that her time is up.