Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo has been named vice chairperson of the Safa technical committee. He said the role is not about him but about the future of South African football.
Safa president Danny Jordaan announced the appointment after new National Executive Committee (NEC) members were inducted. Linda Zwane, Natasha Tsiclas and Tankiso Modipa were also elected as vice presidents, with Modipa new to the role.
“This journey is not about me, but the demands of the game. It’s about what South Africans want. It’s not about individuals or the association, but the future of SA football,” Khumalo said.
Khumalo will work with chairperson Jack Maluleke, one of the longest serving members of the NEC. The two men are in charge of appointing all national team coaches.
They will also oversee training methods and review how the national teams perform. In his role, Khumalo is senior to technical director Molefi Ntseki.
Ntseki is the direct line manager of the coaches. This includes Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane, who joined the team not long ago.
Khumalo spoke on Game On with Thabiso Mosia on Radio 2000 on Monday night, a day after the news. “I must say, it (the appointment) came as a surprise,” he said.
He thanked the NEC, Jordaan, PSL bosses Irvin Khoza and Kaizer Motaung, his family and the fans of South African football.
“I would like to believe that it will be done collectively,” Khumalo said about the work ahead. “It’s not Doc Khumalo’s decision. Collectively, we can pull it off.”
He said he had done coaching courses in South Africa and abroad. “I do have the capabilities to deliver on the needs,” he said, adding that the demands of the game will decide the way forward.
Khumalo said he had not yet met the top Safa bosses to talk about targets. He said he had been following the senior team, the development teams and Banyana Banyana.
“I must credit Safa because if we look at our development structures, we have excelled beyond our limits. But we need to maintain and nurture the talent,” he said.
“I am not sure what’s currently on the table. I haven’t been to the office. I haven’t been given a mandate,” Khumalo added.
Khumalo holds coaching qualifications, including the UEFA B License. He was an assistant coach at his childhood club Kaizer Chiefs and a technical director at Baroka. He also works as an analyst on SABC Sport.
He said he hopes more former players and coaches will get similar chances to help the game. “It would certainly be appreciated if we bring in former players,” Khumalo said.
“We shouldn’t forget the coaches who have contributed to SA football. They should be given a platform to share their views,” he said.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.