Banyana recently qualified for a first-ever World Cup by reaching the Women's Africa Cup of Nations final, where they lost to Nigeria on penalties in Ghana last weekend.
The side has since been nominated for the CAF Women's National Team of the Year prize, while Ellis and star players Janine van Wyk and Thembi Kgatlana are also in contention for individual honours.
Ellis has given credit to her support staff, which includes assistant coaches Thinasonke Mbuli and Shirlene Booysen, for their role in Banyana's success.1
“I think their game plans have been spot-on,” Ellis told snl24.com/kickoff. “They have been working tirelessly behind the scenes analysing our opposition, as well as our own game – where we can improve, as there’s always room for improvement.
“I think it’s definitely worth mentioning them and pointing this out as people do not see what I see. They don’t see the long hours of commitment and dedication from my colleagues as well.
“They are diligent in their approach and make sure that I have the necessary intel about our opposition as well as our own game plan,” said the Cape Town born-coach.
Ellis, who was the first South African to win the COSAFA Cup as a player and coach, said there is great unity in her squad.
“I think I’ve learnt that my players are a bunch of committed individuals that set high standards for themselves,” Ellis said.
“I saw that with our training camp of two weeks where they were so dedicated for whatever gets thrown their way. They have shown me that they know what they want and that is to play for their country.
“There is also this togetherness about the team, which is great and bodes well going forward,” concluded the 55-year-old.