Johannesburg, 02 February 2023 – Volkswagen is continuing its commitment to youth soccer development in South Africa through a strategic partnership with Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis. The partnership also sees a new Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line being handed over to Desiree Ellis.

“Volkswagen has been supporting youth soccer development initiatives in South Africa for over 10 years. The partnership with Desiree Ellis will progress our plans of driving youth development through soccer in our country,” said Steffen Knapp, Head of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand.

Ellis is the current Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) winning coach. She is also a three-time CAF Women's Coach of the Year.

“Volkswagen has an amazing history of supporting soccer in South Africa which dates back to the Moroka Swallows sponsorship which ran for a decade and recently the investment in youth soccer development initiatives in our townships. I look forward to working with Volkswagen to find, work with and inspire South Africa’s young soccer stars,” said Ellis.

“In 2023, we will continue with our youth soccer development initiatives through the second instalment of the VW Train 4 Life programme in Tembisa and a bespoke training camp with FC Porto in Portugal for the winners of the 2022 VW Vaya Cup. We are excited to work with Desiree to develop the next generation of soccer stars. Her experience and winning spirit will motivate our young soccer stars to believe that nothing is possible,” added Knapp.

“Volkswagen wishes coach Desiree many happy kilometres in her Tiguan and success with her preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand later this year,” concluded Knapp.