Coping With Pressure And Keeping Fit

Desiree DEllis is unassuming and unfussy, so unsurprisingly, she keeps it simple when it comes to her diet and
overall wellbeing.

For Ellis, an egg a day and a good strong cup of coffee generally keep the doctor away. However, she loves nothing more than to unwind and enjoy time with her loved ones over a good meaty braai.

She is no longer a professional athlete, and her gruelling work schedule means that her fitness routine has taken a back seat, however, she still advocates for keeping active and busy.

“I used to train every day during my playing days, but that’s not the case currently. I still strive to do everything I can to stay fit and eat as healthily as possible. I train twice or thrice a week now, alternating between 45-minute walks and strength training, and I try my utmost to get in my 10 000 steps daily,” says Ellis.

Her high-pressured job is demanding, but she relies on a close inner circle to help her cope with the challenges of coaching the national team.

“Staying mentally fit is challenging and tough; there is plenty of scrutiny from everyone – that comes with the job. Fortunately, I am surrounded by a good group of people, and I touch base with other coaches often, which helps. I also read a lot and my faith is strong; God listens when you speak. My family and close friends are always there for me, which, over the last couple of years, has helped me to manage the controllables when things don’t always go well,” Ellis explains.

Talking of family and friends, Ellis says that her parents are her greatest role models. “They taught me the values and ethics that I still live by,” she says. She lists others, such as Fran Hilton Smith (former SAFA technical director), Nomsa Mahlangu (University of Johannesburg sport director), and Ilhaam Groenewald (University of Stellenbosch sport director), as among her role models. “Vera Pauw is a coach I look up to – she has taught me a lot, as has Jacqui Shipanga, coach of Namibia, and then there’s Pitso Mosimane, who has done amazing things for South African football. Shilene Booysen (South Sudan coach) is someone I am very close to; we chat regularly,” Ellis says. “Shoes Moshoeu is another big role model, and as a long-suffering Manchester United fan, I also admire Bryan Robson, Ryan Giggs and Sir Alex Ferguson, particularly the way he could rebuild teams.”