Molefi Ntseki named SAFA’s interim option as Bafana search stalls

According to The South African, Molefi Ntseki is being considered as an interim coach for Bafana Bafana as the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Pitso Mosimane remain at odds over contract terms.

Interim plan while talks continue

SAFA has named Ntseki as a possible stopgap option to lead the national team for its opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, according to The South African. The matches are scheduled against Guinea and Eritrea in September.

Stalemate over backroom staff

According to The South African, the impasse between SAFA and Pitso Mosimane centers on the terms of Mosimane’s contract, specifically his desire to bring his full backroom staff on permanent contracts. That disagreement has delayed the appointment of a permanent coach.

Other options explored

According to The South African, SAFA also approached former Bafana coach Hugo Broos to see if he would take charge for the two AFCON qualifiers, but the Belgian declined.

Ntseki’s previous spell

According to The South African, Ntseki previously led Bafana Bafana from 2019 to 2021. He was dismissed after the national team failed to qualify for the 2021 AFCON tournament in Cameroon. During his tenure he took charge of nine official games, winning four, drawing two and losing three.

Public reaction

According to The South African, reaction to the possibility of Ntseki’s return has been mixed online.

With time running out before the September qualifiers, SAFA is weighing a short-term appointment while attempts to reach common ground with Mosimane continue, The South African reports.