SAFA run to Molefi Ntseki amid Pitso Mosimane standoff
· The South African
Former Kaizer Chiefs head coach Molefi Ntseki could make a surprise return to Bafana Bafana, with SAFA reportedly considering him as an interim coach while the association searches for a permanent successor to Hugo Broos.
The 56-year-old previously coached Bafana between 2019 and 2021, but his tenure ended unsuccessfully after the national team failed to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Visit mchezo.co.za for more information.
Bafana are currently without a head coach after SAFA parted ways with Broos following his five-year spell in charge.
Former Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane appeared set to replace him, with reports suggesting that the SAFA National Executive Committee had approved his appointment.
However, negotiations have reportedly stalled over financial terms and the structure of Mosimane’s proposed technical team, with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers approaching.
Ntseki ro return to Bafana
According to SoccerBeat, SAFA could now turn to Ntseki as a temporary solution.
“SoccerBeat understands that SAFA could consider Technical Director Molefi Ntseki to take charge of Bafana Bafana on an interim basis.”
Ntseki returned to SAFA after leaving the Bafana job in 2021. He later joined Kaizer Chiefs as head of development before being promoted to first-team head coach. His stint at Naturena lasted only a few months before he was dismissed.
He was also involved with the Bafana Bafana CHAN team last year.
However, the possibility of Ntseki returning to the senior national team has already sparked a negative reaction among some supporters.
One fan, @DMoseamedi64952, wrote: “This guys at SAFA are mad, what has Ntseki achieved as a coach? I wish Zungu can win this election so that he can rebuild SAFA and all those useless people at SAFA offices.”
Another supporter, @websterlicious, added: “We must forget about Bafana Bafana. This guy has failed before, what makes [him] right that he is the perfect interim coach? Herman Mkhelele is already there.”
With the AFCON qualifiers drawing closer, SAFA could be forced to make a decision quickly if the Mosimane negotiations remain deadlocked.