Banyana coach Desiree Ellis crowned CAF Women's Coach of the Year for the 4th time

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis was honoured as the Women's Coach of the Year for the fourth time at the 2023 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday.

The 60-year-old won her first gong in 2018 and secured the accolade once more in 2019. The award was not presented in 2020 and 2021 due to the impact of the coronavirus.

The African Mastermind. ??#CAFAwards2023 | @descaptain pic.twitter.com/oPV6rR7Q8t

However, in 2022, Ellis once again claimed the honours for leading Banyana Banyana to their first Women's Africa Cup of Nations title, triumphing over the host nation Morocco in the final.

This year has seen Banyana make further strides under her tutelage as they advance beyond the group stages of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and taste the action of the Round of 16, losing bravely to the Netherlands in the knockout match.

In her acceptance speech, she ensured that she paid tribute to fellow Women's Coach of the Year nominee Jerry Tshabalala, who guided the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies team to the CAF Women's Champions League title.

"I'd like to acknowledge coach Jerry. He does fantastic work in South Africa and that is why I am standing here," Ellis said.

"I'd also like to acknowledge all the other coaches that works in women's football. This is for all of you.

"For all the administrators that work in women's football but most importantly for the Banyana players because they make us look good."

She added, "Women's football on the continent is rising," before smiling and walking off.    

Elsewhere, Bafana Bafana star forward Percy Tau was crowned the Men's Interclub Player of the Year, while Sundowns Ladies walked away with the Women's Club of the Year gong.

The 2023 Club of the Year (WOMEN) is.. ?????? @Sundownsladies