31 August 2019 – The SAFA NEC on Saturday, 31 August 2019 unanimously appointed Molefi Ntseki as the new Bafana Bafana coach, taking over from Stuart Baxter who resigned last month.
The 50-year old mentor was assistant coach to Shakes Mashaba and Baxter and assumes his responsibilities with immediate effect.
Ntseki was appointed interim coach three weeks ago but was confirmed as the new Senior Men’s National coach on Saturday by the NEC meeting which was attended by among others SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan and Vice-Presidents, Dr Irvin Khoza, Ria Ledwaba, Xolile Nkompela, Gay Mokoena and honorary President, Lesole Gadinabokao.
Before the name of Ntseki was announced, the technical committee which was mandated to look for the new coach read out the criteria which they used to arrive at their decision. The search committee was made up of chair, Jack Maluleke, vice-chair, Buddha Mathathe, SAFA TD, Neil Tovey, former Bafana Bafana defender, David Nyathi and Sudesh Singh.
Ntseki said he was excited at the new challenge and would give it his best.
“I want to first of all thank the SAFA NEC and the Technical Committee for the confidence they have showed in me. I am humbled by this honour and I want to assure the nation that I will give this the best go.”
Ntseki’s first official assignment is the friendly match against Zambia at Lusaka’s Independence Heroes Stadium on Saturday, 7 September. Kick-off is at 15h00.
Bafana Bafana go into camp on Sunday, 1 September 2019 in Johannesburg and leave for Zambia on Thursday for Saturday’s friendly match.