It was a proud moment for Dryden Street Primary School pupils in Salt River and in particular for the teachers who taught Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis when she visited to talk to the children about opportunities after life at school.
“When principal Bayar Laattoe mentioned that she was also a learner at Dryden, it was even more unbelievable that a celebrity like Desiree has her roots at their school. It is an undeniable but unfortunate fact that globally, women’s football has had to fight for the right to be recognised as a commendable sport in the world of football,” said Colin Jooste, Observatory resident and school governing body chairman.
Mr Jooste said there is a perception among soccer fans that women cannot play the game but Ms Ellis and the Banyana Banyana squad she captained for a number of years have proven them wrong.
Ms Ellis also received the silver presidential award in 2001 in
recognition for her contribution to soccer.
“As a young learner I started playing football with the boys at this school and no matter where in the world football still takes me, I shall never forget it started at Dryden Street Primary School,”said Ms Ellis.