Exclusive times magazine issue 4

Exclusive Times February 2022,Issue 4

Lockdown Businesses Making Waves

Exclusive Interview With Desiree Ellis

Spreading Positivity With Mental Health Matters

Valentine’s Day Calls For Date Night

Kolossal Moments with Kholosa Gcali

EDITOR'S NOTE WITH LOVE, TO YOU Most of us believe in love, to love and be loved in ways that awaken feelings that we have never imagined to feel and in the moment of an epiphany, we realise what love is supposed to feel like. I have spent most of my time this year looking back at past relationships and friendships with hopes to reason out where it all went wrong, whether it was love, lust or infatuation and I have since decided to rest my heart at knowing that it was love in its own form; it does not matter how long it lasted, how it ended but what still makes my heart skip a beat, are the feelings that each of the relations evoked in me at some point.

I know that we always hope for things to last forever, we want our happiest moments to last forever, we want friendships that we can carry on our backs for the rest of our lives and a love that is patient and kind till the end of time. However, here is what I think; why don’t we live in the moment? I think there is so much more serenity in just being enchanted in the moments that make us feel elated and not entirely put our worries on an unknown future.

In this month’s issue, we celebrate love in the many love languages that resonate deeply with us. We are encouraging you to nurture all of the things that you love, and in the words of Gautama Buddha “When you like a flower, you just pluck it. But when you love a flower, you water it daily”. Allow people to show you that they love you, teach people how to love you in a way that you will feel loved and most importantly, in the name of balanced reciprocation, give out the love that you are receiving with pure intentions.

With all that’s been said, at the end of the day, my only hope is that we all encounter and hold on to the love that we deserve.

Love, Rea Reabetswe Malata Editor-in-chief

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS COME GREAT THINGS Kholosa Gcali, a storyteller climbing up the ladder

THABANG RAMMUTLA

BLACK GIRL MAGIC The 21st century has seen the rise of women in the film and television production. Many female filmmakers today hold positions of creative power such as ‘director,’ ‘cinematographer,’ and ‘producer.’

This is mainly due to the fact that production is mostly independent and seen as an art form. Women have discovered their niche in the industry and they are running with it independently, and they are endurance enough to tell their tale. We got to unpack the journey of Kholosa Gcali in the filmmaking industry.

EPIPHANY MOMENT OF THE JOURNEY Kholosa

Gcali

chronicles

her

journey

from

humble beginnings to today as CEO of Kolossal Productions, a company which she birthed during the covid-19 pandemic with the sole purpose to give creative solutions to her clients.

As a creative, an artist, and a lover of life Gcali was inspired

by

the

excitement,

history,

and

heartache of a 1992 musical drama film based on Mbongeni Ngema's 1987 musical. When she was young, her mother bought Sarafina the movie for her younger sister and herself. They watched it every day during the school holidays.

“We would recite it word for word. I knew then

that

I

had

to

study

something

in

entertainment. Originally I thought I would be an actress, I enrolled at [the University of Witwatersrand] Wits to study Dramatic Arts and Television Studies was one of the courses offered. I took that course and never looked back,” she said.

HURDLES OF FEMALE CREATIVES IN THE INDUSTRY Despite the push she got from being inspired by one of South Africa’s all-time best movies, building her own empire from the ground is not as glossy as the finished products she produces.

She is aware that the industry is full of hyenas in sheepskin and cannot put her faith in her pretty face to open big doors.

In her account, the challenges she encountered are “being perceived as a pretty face who does not know what she is talking about. Powerful men promise you jobs in exchange for sexual favours. It is difficult to tackle as the industry is male-dominated, but I told myself that I will never get to a position because I slept my way up, I will let my work speak for itself.”

THE LIBERATION OF INDUSTRY WOMEN AND TEAM WORK IN THE INDUSTRY Gcali does not feel the need to appear assertive in the entertainment industry. She believes with her team on the same page, anything is achievable no matter what the next person thinks of them. “I always tell my team that you are as strong as your weakest team member. We are all working towards a common goal and we are all creatives, so let’s allow our art to speak for itself. I give every team member creative freedom to express themselves,” she says.

To further the betterment of the industry, Gcali thinks creativity must go hand in hand with the liberation of the industry women to challenge the patriarchy against them. She says, “I think we as females need to stand together and not be afraid to speak about the abuse that happens in the industry. I do think that there is a movement that is starting now where we see our sisters in the industry talking and standing up for themselves and these conversations need to happen. Furthermore, I think we should stand together because the industry forces us to compete against each other, and there shouldn’t be a competition as the pie is big enough for everyone to eat.”

“…

LET’S ALLOW OUR ART TO SPEAK FOR ITSELF ”

HER JOURNEY ON SA Gcali took us back to the very first educational project she worked on from South Africa’s public broadcaster and why it is still closer to her heart to this day. “Somehow the first project I worked on still remains my favorite.

‘Teenagers

on

a

Mission' on SABC1: it is a SciTech show where we teach teenagers the beauty of science and technology and how all industries have or use science and technology. It exposed me to a lot of industries as the

The director

must also add a

blend of passion and talent into the mix to create a magical and thought-provoking

television

program for the kids, as Gcali thinks talent and passion play a critical role in a producer's work.

"I don't think you can divorce the two [talent and passion], I think they work hand in hand like marriage. What is talent without passion and what is passion without talent?" she asked.

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR NEW

format was show and tell, so we

INDUSTRY BEGINNERS Humble beginnings can be very

captured events and details as

discouraging especially for the

they

industry

were

happening",

she

students

but

Gcali

explains.

shared her best possible advice

To direct and produce such an

that can keep anybody going

informative show for children

despite

requires a lot more than just a

encounter along their journey.

piece of knowledge.

the

setbacks

they

“BIG ON CREATIVITY“ “Always remember what got you started. The WHY will keep you going even when things get tough. Studying is difficult guys, let’s not lie, but the why will keep you going, even when you enter the industry don’t forget the WHY!” she said.

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR GCALI? Kolossal

Productions

vows

this

year

to

continue serving with excellence, getting to work with other bigger brands, and forming more great, and fruitful partnerships and growing.

Gcali concluded her interaction with the Exclusive Times magazine by sharing her biggest desires in the industry as a producer.

She wants to take her work out there to be experienced by different people, cultures, races, and creeds. “I want to collaborate with Tyler Perry or better yet be the next Tyler Perry or Oprah Winfrey. “

Zinhle Dube Nelisiwe

Hadebe

is

a

make

up

artist,

a

photographer, an aspiring actress, and a model.

She was born and bred in NewCastle, Kwazulu Natal, then she decided to relocate to the City of Gold (Johannesburg) right after graduating from college. Nelly is an ambitious and passionate being, she says she has always had a thing for beauty and is something of a perfectionist, she started modeling during her primary school days and that helped build her confidence.

She is a self taught make up artist and she fought with all her being in being the best at it, she has always known that she wants to be her own boss and she worked hard at achieving her goals. She is currently building her brand “Glamverse”. “What I love about being a makeup artist is seeing a smile

on

a

client’s

face

transforming them” she said.

when

I’m

done

Love What You Do

“Love and support are the two things that matter the most in our lives.”

Nelly also has her own photography studio @fullfilledphotographysa and says she loves helping people create memories. The 24 year old comes from a loving and supportive background and that is what drives her to fight for what she knows she deserves. She draws her inspiration solely from her family and close friends because those are the people she knows that she can count on, no matter what.

KingJazz 0725182773/ 0815797114 therealking_ Jazz karabophetla8@gmail.com

GET TO KNOW KING JAZZ With his versatility and a unique ear for sounds, King Jazz has proven that good music still exists.

Matodzi Mabelane

Karabo Phetla, famously King jazz is a talented Dj &

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Producer

Pretoria

King jazz has worked with artists such as Vigro Deep,

(Atteridgeville) with an ear for good music. His

Pencil, Tsitso, Vettys, Silly bean, Team Skorokoro,

style of playing on the decks has sustained his

Dinho, Lady Zamar, Snow Deep, Gento Bareto,

music career for 12 years. He has played at most

Lamiez Holworthy and others.

major clubs around the cities and has been

Some of the events that King jazz has played at

featured on numerous radio interviews and music

include Morula Sun, Lifestyle Café Pheli, Liquid Zone,

videos. King jazz is a main act at most major

Dinho Café, CoolerBoxingDay, Dj KnockOut Red

events.

Square. The events that he played at are nationally

His nationwide social media following and fan base

recognized. Throughout the 12 years of his career

always support him at events he has been booked

King jazz has gained good respect and reputation

to play at. His experience and versatility is proven

from the artists he has worked with and from his

by how he has mastered both cdj’s which makes

fans. His goal is to always deliver a great performance

him part of the few countrywide Djs. His music is

that leaves the crowd asking for more.

of

Amapiono

from

available on various digital platforms such as iTunes,YouTube,Spotify etc

HOTSPOTS: SHADES OF RED FOR EVERYONE STEP INSIDE AND INDULGE IN A WORLD OF EXTRAVAGANCE AND ENTERTAINMENT THIS MONTH OF LOVE AT RADDISON RED. BONGEKILE QULU

Raddison RED is a deluxe hotel brand offering

For the full month of February, guests can book

an exciting twist on the normal making it

the RED Hot Love room special which includes

memorable. It prides itself with its amazing and

a stayover for two and an in-room breakfast

beautiful views and designs that set you in a

picnic which is perfect for love birds looking to

party mode in a second. Its hotels are situated

spend time together. The hotel is surrounded

in urban and dynamic locations allowing guests

by other interesting establishments as it is

to maneuver between business and leisure. Its

located in the new Oxford Parks precinct and

facilities include 222 exquisite and bold hotel

within walking distance to Keyes Art Mile,

rooms with breathtaking designs, two eccentric

Rosebank’s

restaurants presenting entertaining and flexible

Rosebank Gautrain station, making it more

culinary options, a state-of-the-art gym, 6 Event

convenient to travel through the rich art

Studios

suburb

as

well

as

a

rooftop

unprecedented scenes and a pool.

with

three

main

malls

and

the

THE MENU The hotel is hosting a Lover’s Lunch on Sunday 13thFebruary. The menu features topless oysters dressed with a sundried tomato and chili pesto, a choice between beef whole short rib, chicken galantine and creamed spinach and three cheese fettucine, as well as a Happy Ending platter -for-two of fruit and cheesecake. On the day entertainment is by acoustic singer-songwriter, Will Rayz and activities include table tennis and a just-forfun table quiz. Bookings are limited and tickets are R490 each. The menu will also be available as dinner for Monday the 14thfor those wanting to celebrate Valentine’s Day on it’s official date.

For the whole month of February, Radisson RED is running a spicy game where locals are to take pictures with their loved ones in front of the famous wings at Radisson RED Johannesburg Rosebank, then tag the hotel in a #REDwingmoment on social media asking their significant others to be their Valentine in front of the installation and stand a chance of winning drinks on the RED Rooftop for two.

NB: ALL PHOTOS ARE TAKEN FROM THEIR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: WWW.RADISSONHOTELGROUP.COM/MEDIA OR CONNECT WITH US ON: LINKEDIN: HTTPS://WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/RADISSON-HOTELGROUP/ INSTAGRAM: HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/RADISSONHOTELS/ TWITTER: HTTPS://TWITTER.COM/RADISSONHOTELS FACEBOOK: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RADISSONHOTELS YOUTUBE: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/RADISSONHOTELGROUP

BUSINESS IN CONFECTIONERY Q&A WITH THABILE’S KITCHEN Lockdown had a massive effect on people’s jobs and luckily for Thabile Monyaki, it was a step into the right direction.

MATODZI MABELANE

Q. Who’s Thabile Monyaki? Who are you

Q. What or who inspired you?

outside the kitchen?

A. It was a friend who inspired me. She sows

A.Thabile is someone who is fun and loves

a pic posted and told her that she’s on the

interacting with people. I am an extrovert,

way to fetch her cookies and now she should

people find it easy to talk to me. I love people

start a business because she knows her thing.

and they love me. I’m a family person at heart,

Andsome church members asked her to bake

a mother, grandmother and a sister.

them a cake and during that time she didn’t have any idea how to do it but at the end she

Q. When did your love for cooking starts, and

did it.

when did you decide to start the cooking business?

Q. What were the challenges you faced when

A. To be honest I didn’t love cooking and at

started and what are the challenges you are

home everyone knows how to cook. I don’t

facing now in this business?

know if it was ignorant or I just didn’t want to.

A. My biggest challenge then and now, is the

Cooking was really not my thing. Something I

issue of orders that are not collected, therefore

have never imagined myself doing happened, I

resulting in no payment. I‘m working on a system

started cooking in June 2020 during lockdown.

that will help me manage my profit and losses

The plan was not to cook or bake; initially I only

better.

did it to pay off her debts. One day, when I was alone in the house, it was as if I heard voices in my head that pushed me to start, I couldn’t ignore it. I wanted to cater to a family that needed my help, so I cooked meals for them without expecting anything in return from them. Since, then I’ve been making a living from cooking and baking for people and their special occasions. I like to refer to this as God’s business.

A cupcake a day keeps the sweet tooth away Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years from

Q. Advice you would like to give to anyone who wants

now?

to start their own business?

A. One of my long-term goals is definitely

A.Stay

owning a bakery of my own. I love doing

Remember to always pray for guidance.

things myself, but creating employment would bring me so much joy.

Q. What has been the biggest highlight since running your business?

A. It has to be starting this business. In the beginning when asked to bake a cake, I’d also wonder where I’d start and whether it would come out looking right but along the way, with the support of the many people who believed in, I conquered and now I’ve been striving ever since!

focused,

be

patient

and

don’t

lose

hope.

DATE NIGHT OR NAH?

Date night is a girl’s best escape to unwind in the ambience of candle lights and subtle music and to go along with that, a statement outfit is just what you need to leave an everlasting impression.

“A stunning first impression was not the same thing as love at first sight. But surely it was an invitation to consider the matter”- Lois McMaster Bujoid.

REABETSWE MALATA

DATE NIGHT OUTFIT TIPS:

WATCH is a definite must! It does not need to

>COLOURS

be expensive; a strappy metallic for a fancy

RED is the colour of power and dominance; it

romantic dinner is a winner. Alternatively, for

is attractive to the eye and works for both

a casual date, a sporty version could also

male and females.

work.

BLACK is your go-to safer choice of colour

CUFFLINKS for the men are stylish and

which also works well for both genders.

sexy. Pairing them with a white t-shirt will score you great style points.

>ACCESSORIES WHITE

PEARLS

scream

“class

and

sophistication”. They are a classic known to create and uphold the right amount of elegance on date night.

DATE NIGHT = BEST NIGHT OF THE WEEK >HAIR AND MAKE-UP LIPSTICK colour is just as important. However, this time let’s move away from the cliché red lips and try something different. Explore with plum, pink, nude and deep wine colours.

SCENT is entirely up to one’s desired preference. There are scents that one can look into that are romantic. Try out Rose, Jasmine, Vanilla, Lavender and Patchouli scents for your next date night.

MAKE-UP that is a natural look always win. Not too much and not too little.

Date nights aren’t limited to going out to a fancy restaurant. If you’re looking into something budget worthy yet intimate, consider an indoor picnic or the cliché winner, indoor movie night. These will allow you to be much more comfortable in your own space. It also means you get to look cute in your lounge wear.

It is also advisable to check on internet which looks work better for your style preference and try to recreate that to your satisfaction. Lastly, don’t forget to bring along that dazzling smile!

CHEF CALDON STRIMLING

BRINGING EXQUISITE TASTES TO YOUR BUDS Antony Makatu Born and raised in Johannesburg, Chef

He also has international experience in the

Caldon Strimling has a passion for working

Middle East (City of Jordan). Chef Caldon

with Fresh, Natural and Health-conscious

further offers private chef experiences and has

ingredients

and

cooked for some of SA's elite clientele.

the

Chef Caldon likes thinking out of the box and

Mediterranean, Asian and South African

has menu's with the use of Cannabis oils to

Homestyle cuisine - from Fine Dining to a

create a relaxed experience, as well as health

creative take and twist on Street/Urban Food.

benefits.

soulful.

His

that

are

food

is

heartwarming inspired

by

He has worked as a chef at some of South Africa’s best restaurants such as Aurelias @ Emperors Palace, Punchinello’s @ the Pivot Hotel, Urbanology in JHB

CBD INFUSED RECIPE Activated Charcoal Prawn Tempura, Seared Artichoke, Avocado Puree with Tamarind & Hemp Seed Dressing Infused with CBD Oil

INGREDIENTS Prawns x 100g Self Raising Flour x 1 Cup Cold

Water

x

1

1/2

Cups

Tamarind x 1 Teaspoon Hemp Seeds x 1 Teaspoon Avocado x 1 Yoghurt x 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice x 1 Tablespoon Pickled Artichoke x 1 Vinegar 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar 1/2 Cup 20mg CBD Oil Ginger x 1 thumb Activated Charcoal 1 teaspoon 500ml Sun Flower Oil For Deep Frying

Salt

Seasoning

&

Pepper

for

THE RECIPE

Step 1

Step 4

For the Tempura Mix

Sear Artichoke until golden brown.

*Pre- heat Sunflower oil on medium high heat in a small but deep pot.

Step 5 Deep Fry Prawns till Golden Brown about 3-

In a bowl Season 1 x cup of self Raising flour

4 minutes. Lightly salt for Seasoning

with Activated Charcoal, 1 x teaspoon salt,

*Recipe serves 2 people starter portions

pepper and grated ginger & cold water, mix gently with a spoon (mixture should not be

Sit back, relax and enjoy as the CBD oil does its

smooth) than add Prawns.

magic by assisting you relax after a long day of work...

Step 2 *For the Dressing Add

Tamarind,

Sugar,

Vinegar

and

Ground Hemp Seeds in a sauce pan on low heat till mixture becomes slightly sticky.

Once Cool add 1 x teaspoon of CBD Oil Step 3 *For the Avocado Mousse Blend 1 x Avocado with 1 x tablespoon of Yoghurt, 1 x teaspoon of lemon juice until smooth

IT’S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through childhood, thus people need to be treated with kindness and care.

By Mathabatha Makgoka Mental health is all about emotional, psychological,

and

social

well-

being.People often mistake mental health illness

with

being

‘crazy’.

That

is

a

narrative we need to change in our society. We need to educate people about mental health to a deep understanding, so the world can be a better place. People need to always feel safe, hence it is everyone’s responsibility to create an environment that is all about peace, kindness, and care.

You can look after your mental health by simply

talking

about

your

emotions

without caring about the next person because

people

will

always

have

something to say, whether positive or negative. You just have to be ‘you and the world will adjust. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because you never know what the next person can do for you. Isolating yourself makes things worse, so always keep in touch.

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MATTER

Also, finding what you are good at and

Brown is also known in particular for her

practicing it all the time helps. According to

research

an American New Thought spiritual teacher,

leadership.

life coach, and television personality Iyanla

In one of her lectures, she exclaimed that

Vanzant, “It’s important that we share our

she defines connection as the energy that

experiences with other people. Your story

exists between people when feel seen,

will heal someone else. When you tell your

heard, and valued; when they can give and

story, you free yourself and give other

receive without judgment; and when they

people permission to knowledge their own

derive sustenance and strength from the

story.

relationship.

For example, you can find a peer group with

A lot of people who are suffering from

similar problems that you have, that way

mental

you

about

experiences, strengths, weaknesses, and

process.

hopes with their peers so that anyone who

Knowing that you are not alone is an

relates to their experiences can be able to

affirmation that assures you that everything

approach

is going to be okay and your feelings do

understanding of their journey and how

matter, no one should invalidate how you

they are coping and what keeps them going

feel whatsoever, stand your ground always.

every day. It is a natural evolution of

My views can be backed up by Brené

personal growth, wellness promotion, and

Brownwho is a qualified and well-known

recovery. People who have “been there”

American research professor.

have a lot of support because they know

can

yourself

learn as

something

well

during

new the

on

shame,

health

them

vulnerability,

problems

and

share

get

a

and

their

deep

how hard this journey is. It’s the little things that matter.

EXCLUSIVE Q&A: DIRECTOR MAC Gavin Menyatso

Q: Where are you from?

A: I am originally from Bulawayo in Zimbabwe, but currently based in Protea Glen Soweto.

Q: Who are your biggest artistic influences?

A: Cassper Nyovest Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?

A: Life events, my family and sometimes stress.

Q: When is your favourite time in a day to create?

A: Honestly, there’s no specific time. I get in my zone and create at any time.

Q: Do you think the work that you do is important to the society?

A: Yes, I think it's important as it motivates and sustains lot of artists and companies.

Q: What motivates you to create?

A: It’s mostly my mood and surrounding that give me the drive and motivation to create at that specific time.

Q: How do you define success as an artist?

A: Success is being able to provide for me and my loved ones. It also means being recognised and appreciated for my work.

Q: Does art or the work that you do help you in some areas in your life? if yes, how?

A: Absolutely! It helps me provide for my family and grants me the luxury of travelling and exploring the world.

Q: How do you develop your art skills?

A: By studying and acquiring more knowledge every chance I get.

Q: What are your ultimate career goals?

A: My ultimate goals would be to redefine African visuals and content creation.

Q: In one word how would you describe your fan base?

A: Hustlers Q: How can people get access to your heart or your work?

A: @Directormac on all social media platforms or email proudmonkeymedia@gmail.com

DESIREE ELLIS: THE HEROINE OF WOMEN’S FOOTBALL IN SOUTH AFRICA Mpendulo Sithole

During the Apartheid system, football in

Like any other female footballer, experiencing

South Africa denied women a chance to

childhood

showcase their gifts and partake in the

challenges for Ellis; she had to vanquish

beautiful

stereotypes

game.

Women

have

been

during and

the

70s

apartheid

came to

fulfil

with her

scorned, disregarded, and avoided by the

footballing dream. However, that multitude of

authorities and media fixated on male

difficulties contributed to paving a successful

sports. Nonetheless, they have strived to

path for her. Despite making her debut at 30-

be perceived and influence the football

years-old, she stood out as one of the best

business. However, 29 years ago, the state

players this country has ever produced, and

of women’s football in South Africa took a

since then, she’s been advocating for the

positive

development of women’s football and she

direction;

The

South

African

Football Association (Safa) assembled the first

women’s

football

team

was enormously rewarded for it.

and

nicknamed it as ‘Banyana Banyana’. The

During her playing days, Ellis was a diminutive

team consisted of the likes of Khabo Zitha,

midfielder with an eye for goal. Like most

Bertha King, Anna Monate, and most

female footballers, she grew up playing with

notably, Desiree Ellis. The current Banyana

boys and drew inspiration from the late John

Banyana coach played a tremendous role

‘Shoes’ Mosheou. However, with that being

in the development of women’s football in

said, she also knew that being relentless in the

South Africa since making her debut in

footballing space despite all the challenges

1993. Exclusive Times’ Mpendulo Sithole

she faced, she was going to be an inspiration

explores the fruitful football journey that

to many girls with the dream of playing the

saw her reaping spectacular rewards.

beautiful game.

“I’ve always known that we had extreme talent in the country, but it took a global event like the World Cup for everyone to see it and then after that we just had so many players going abroad.”

The 58-year-old gaffer is one of the pioneers of

FROM CAPTAIN TO COACH

women’s football in South Africa, from being part of

When Banyana Banyana assembled in 1993, Ellis was

the first team to donning colors of Banyana Banyana

appointed

in 1993, being the captain in 1994-2002, and in 2019,

following year, in 1994, she permanently took the

she became the first coach to lead Banyana Banyana

captain’s armband and skippered the side to

to their first FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance. “I

greater heights until her retirement in 2002. She led

was one of the founding members when we started

Banyana to a runner-up finish of the African

with the national team, I remember Khabo Zitha

Women’s Cup of Nations (Awcon) in 1995 and 2000

and we are still friends today, as well as Fikile Sithole

and lost both games to Nigeria. Following her

just to mention a few and I was vicecaptain back

emphatic performance, she was nominated for the

then. Back in the day it wasn’t as easy as it is now

2000 African Women’s Player of the Year alongside

but every generation opens doors for the next

Nigeria’s duo Florence Omagbemi and Mercy Akide.

generation to come,” Ellis told Exclusive Times.

Ellis continued with her illustrious captaining role

as

vice-captain

of

the

team.

The

and led her side to the 2002 Cosafa Women’s “The founding of Banyana Banyana opened many

Championship victory and that was the year she

doors for other players to come after us, there were

retired from playing football.

more games and opportunities after that. Now there

Post-retirement, Ellis still kept her relationship with

are too many opportunities, you get to study and

football by coaching young girls at her former

play professionally.” “There had to be somebody to

teams in Cape Town, then became a football

start and open the door for others and it was us who

analyst, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup Ambassador.

started including the likes of Gloria Brown. We

Fast-forward, in 2016, Ellis was appointed as

eventually became a reference point for all the

Banyana Banyana interim coach following Vera

generations that came after us and those still to

Pauw’s departure from the team. In 2018, she was

come,” she said.

officially given the head coach role, a year where she and her charges finished as Runners-up of the African Women’s Cup of Nations (Awcon) and automatically qualified for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

“Look, we must not forget the work that other coaches before me have put in, it’s like building a house. We have Joseph Mkhonza, the first Banyana Banyana coach who qualified for the 2012 London Olympic Games, coach Vera Pauw also came along and qualified for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and that built a foundation for us,” said Ellis.

"We then qualified for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup

which

was

such

an

amazing

feeling,

I

remember then scenes in Ghana when we qualified for the World Cup, I don’t think anyone slept that night because our phones were ringing non-stop, but the credit must go to the players because they’ve worked very hard.”

“It’s so exciting to see doors opening for female footballers” “I’ve always known that we had extreme talent in the country, but it took a global event like the World Cup for everyone to see it and then after that we just had so many players going abroad. Refiloe Jane at AC Milan, I mean who would’ve thought of that?

Thembi Kgatlana at Atletico Madrid, Linda Motlhalo making

waves

in

Sweden

and

Jermaine

Seoposenwe scoring goals for fun at Portugal and I’m only just mentioning a few. It’s so exciting to see doors opening for female footballers and we have some players who get opportunities to study abroad, those players are big ambassadors and they create opportunities for others.”

SASOL AND HOLLYWOOD BETS COMING ONBOARD

“If I look back at what Sasol has done since 2009, if

The inequality between men and women sports

there was no Sasol now, I can’t even imagine where

is evident, it is known that male footballers

we would be as women’s football”

receive more attention from the media and the governors of football. Until today, that unequal

The winners of Hollywoodbets Super League procure

gap hasn’t been closed yet. During Ellis's playing

an automatic passage into the CAF Women's

days, women weren’t earning much and there

Champions League, as well as R2 million in prize

were fewer opportunities for them to make it in

cash, while the second-place pockets R1 million. The

this industry. Some had to quit playing and find

other clubs will get R150 000 each with the Player of

regular jobs to make ends meet. However, in

the Season, Coach of the Season, and Young Player

2009, Sasol came on board and partnered with

of the Season each getting R50 000. Ellis is proud of

Safa with one sole agenda, to develop women’s

this initiative and applauds the contribution of Sasol

football in the country. We have players who

and Hollywood Bets to South African football.

receive a scholarship to go study abroad and

“Coming from a background we played in, there was

even salaries for them to make a living out of the

nothing. With Sasol coming on board now teams

beautiful game. In 2019, Hollywood Bets also

were getting kits and traveling allowances and

partnered with Safa to create a women’s premier

sponsoring the national team, I think that was

division.

amazing,” Ellis said.

“The national team started playing

MAKING

more matches, top matches and

AWARDS

participating in huge tournaments like the Cyprus Cup and I think that changed women’s football for the better. Since Sasol came in 2009, The Under 17s have been into two world cups in 2010 & 2018, Banyana Banyana has been to two successive Olympic games in 2012 & 2016 as well as the World Cup in 2019.”

back at what Sasol has done since 2009, if there was no Sasol now, I can’t even imagine where we would be as women’s football because clubs have now started relying on their allowances and the prize money. Back then, there was no prize money when we played because there were no sponsors so we’re very grateful for them coming on board.”

on-board now, it’s getting bigger and better and hopefully more sponsors through

CAF Banyana

for women’s football in South Africa when Banyana Banyana finished second in Awcon 2018 and

then

qualified

for

the

Women’s World Cup for the first time

in

their

history,

players

started getting offers from abroad

and

Women's Coach of the Year for two successive years in 2018 and

develop

women’s football because I think women’s football is going places.”

her

instrumental

coaching and developing role in South African football. Banyana Thembi to

Kgatalana

CAF

Awards

as

CAF

Women’s

Footballer of the Year and for CAF

Goal

of

the

Year,

she

received both awards in 2018.

“As Banyana Banyana we are on the

right

track

to

get

nominated for all those awards, but we always say it’s teamwork league

coaches without

play their

contribution, the team would not do well. At that time, myself and Thembi [Kgatlana] were just blessed to get nominated to represent the team because I work with a fantastic technical group.”

also that

season. She was crowned as CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year and for CAF Goal of the Year, she received both awards in 2018.

crowned

because,

Confederation of African Football

for

Awards that season. She was

that

Ellis was then crowned as the

striker,

Thembi

and we must not forget the role

“For me, success is creating opportunities for others.”

2019

striker,

Kgatalana also scooped to CAF

It was a remarkable achievement

scooped

“As you know, Hollywood Bets is also

come

AT

and history was made.

“Sasol was very influential, If I look

can

HEADLINES

“As Banyana Banyana we are on the right track to get nominated for all those awards, but as we always say, it’s teamwork .”

to

In 2018, now as the national

AND THE WORLD CUP

winning Awcon in 2018 and it

team head coach, Ellis steered

The Cape Town-born coach

gets tougher and tougher and

her side to another Awcon final

still has another daunting

I know that’s the ambition of

and lost against Nigeria again.

task ahead of her and that is

every team when they go to

However, they say revenge is

qualifying

2022

the tournament and, we want

sweeter.

In

AWCON tournament set to

to go back to the World Cup,

Banyana

locked

take

Morocco

but first we need to make

Nigeria in the Aisha Buhari Cup

between July and August and

sure we qualify for Awcon

final and thumped the 4- 2 to

also qualifying for the 2023

then we will worry about the

bring

FIFA Women’s World Cup. She

rest.”

trophy home, and they did that

QUALIFYING

FOR

for

place

AWCON

the in

“We

were

very

close

the

2021,

gold

Banyana

horns

medals

with

and

on Nigerian soil which put a

believes her charges will use AVENGING

against Zambia on the 12th of

AGAINST

February 2022 to prepare for

MAINTAINING CONSISTENCY

her

the qualifying game against

Nigeria’s national team has

consistency as they are trying to

Algeria on 18th and 23rd of

been in the driver’s seat when

establish themselves as the best

February.

it comes to football in the

footballing side in Africa.

African

They

“The reason why Nigeria is the best

coming up against Algeria,

proved themselves by being

is that they have been consistent

it’s a final qualifying game

consistent

winning

over the number of years and for

for African Women’s Cup of

trophies and cementing their

us it doesn’t mean that we won

Nations

status

women’s

against them that we should be

want us to get ahead of

strongest football team. Ellis

considered as the best. We need

ourselves, that’s the next big

has

heartbreak

to be consistent as they were to

game

talk

caused by Nigeria not once,

cement our place as the best

about the rest later. We take

not twice, but three times in

national team.”

it one step at a time, if you

her football journey. In 1995

“We also hope that the corporates

look

and

Banyana

will come onboard and I think

yourself you tend to lose

Banyana captain, Desiree Ellis

women’s football is a gold mine

focus of what’s in front of

led the SA national team to

and if we can get more sponsors,

you.

the Awcon final and lost to

I believe we can do so much

Nigeria two times in the final.

more, but most importantly we

“We

thing

have

a

big

(Awcon),

then

too

The for

we

far

I

don’t

will

ahead

most us

game

of

important

now

prepare for Algeria.”

is

to

HERSELF

smile on Desiree’s face. Following

the scheduled friendly game

NIGERIA

continent.

as

in the

suffered

2000,

as

&

that victory, Ellis vowed to help charges

to

maintain

have to be consistent in winning games and tournaments.”

FINDING SUCCESS IN DOING WHAT YOU LOVE When people talk about success, they usually refer to money and fame, therefore, they don’t consider tal1k9ing about

other

aspects

of

success

like

developing

women’s sport that will last for generations to come.

Desiree Ellis didn’t create Banyana Banyana alone, however, she invested her energy advocating for women’s football for the sake of other generations to come. In doing so, she has also contributed to the success of current Banyana players by helping them become better versions of themselves. Ellis has won numerous accolades with Banyana Banyana as both a player and a coach, including individual awards. The list includes being selected for the Technical Advisory Group

at

FIFA,

winning

the

Cosafa

Women’s

Championship as both a player/coach (won it four consecutive times as a coach), finishing as runners-up at Awcon 2018, Fifa world cup appearance, and winning the Aisha Buhari Cup just to mention a few. However, Ellis doesn’t consider success as winning trophies but by elevating those around her.

“Success is not just about trophies. Yes, sometimes you get measured by results and you get measured by winning competitions and trophies,” said Ellis.

“For me, success is creating opportunities for others, seeing my players getting nominated or getting contracts and scholarships abroad. Success is seeing others coaches get elevated and growing and seeing that collective teamwork as well seeing Banyana Banyana improving.” “Success means a lot of things but for many people, it’s about results and we get measured by trophies but in actuality, success is about a collective effort in making sure we create enough opportunities for others,” she concluded.

We’ve produced great players in South Africa, the likes of Portia Modise, Amanda Dlamini, Noko Matlou, Janine Van Wyk, Refiloe Jane, and Thembi Kgatlana just to mention a few. However, all these players were able to realize their dreams because of the pioneers of Banyana Banyana which included Desiree Ellis. We have to be grateful for the 1993 squad that paved the way for our current champions. The kind of influence and the contributions she made to Banyana Banyana and women’s national leagues propelled her to the level of legendary status. She made it apparent that for most women, the journey of realizing a football dream doesn’t come easy, but when you are relentless, focused, and dedicated to the beautiful game you can achieve anything you dream of.