Opinion: Ntseki return would insult South Africans over Bafana

A possible return for Molefi Ntseki as Bafana Bafana’s interim coach has been condemned as disrespectful to South African supporters. The criticism comes as the South African Football Association considers its options after Hugo Broos left the national team post.

Ntseki previously took charge of Bafana in 2019, following Stuart Baxter’s departure. He had moved up from roles with South Africa’s junior national teams, but his promotion to the senior position was questioned before SAFA decided to back him.

His spell lasted nine matches, producing four victories, two draws and three defeats. The main failure came when South Africa did not qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, despite that tournament featuring an expanded 24-team field. Ntseki was subsequently replaced.

The criticism also points to his later period at Kaizer Chiefs, described as underwhelming, and argues that those experiences should rule him out even as a temporary appointment. Bafana are due to resume action in the AFCON qualifiers next month, increasing the pressure on SAFA to find a short-term solution if it cannot complete a permanent deal in time.

Pitso Mosimane had appeared to be the preferred alternative, given his record of winning major continental trophies, his experience at the FIFA Club World Cup and his familiarity with South African football and players. Negotiations between Mosimane and SAFA are reportedly being held up by unresolved contract terms.

If an interim coach is needed, Roger de Sa, Dan Malesela, Farouk Khan and former Bafana assistant Helman Mkhalele are identified as other possible options. The argument against Ntseki is that SAFA should consider these experienced coaches instead of repeatedly turning to familiar figures from within its existing structures.

The wider concern is that Ntseki’s name continues to surface because of his long association with SAFA, including work as a Bafana coach, technical team member and committee member. The criticism says South Africa’s next appointment should be based on merit rather than convenience, with another return to Ntseki viewed as a backward step.