SAFA ANNOUNCES EPHRAIM 'SHAKES' MASHABA AS THE NEW COACH OF SOUTH AFRICA

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has announced Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba as the new coach of Bafana Bafana. The National youth coach Mashaba was not present at the announcement in Soweto as he is in Mali with the U-20 squad.

SAFA appoints Ephraim Mashaba as the new coach of Bafana Bafana

The 63-year old Mashaba succeeds Gordon Igesund whose contract had expired.

Mashaba’s appointment brings to an end weeks of speculation and debate on who will take over the Senior National Team’s job.

Announcing the appointment of Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba at a packed media conference on Saturday, 26 July 2014, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan said the entire NEC was confident of a new era under Mashaba’s reign.

“He has a proven record, is a hard worker and he fulfilled all requirements we were looking for to drive our senior national team back to where we all believe they belong – at the top,” said Dr Jordaan.

In accepting his appointment, an elated Mashaba said he was relishing the challenge and the expectations of the entire nation.

“First of all, I would like to thank the SAFA NEC for the confidence that they have demonstrated in me. This is a massive but exciting test. I am elated and ready for the challenge,” said Mashaba from Mali where he is with the U-20.

“I will do all my best to bring back the winning mentality within Bafana Bafana. With the support of all South Africans, the goal of taking Bafana Bafana back to the top is very achievable.

“The good thing about this job is that I have a clear idea of what I need to do but will first meet the SAFA leadership to agree additional performance terms. I will also take the opportunity to meet all the stakeholders and address the media on the way forward,” said Mashaba who added that he hoped he would be allowed to complete the U/20 qualification for the African Youth championships.

Mashaba was born on 6 August 1950.

He coached Bafana Bafana from 2002-2004 and this will be his second stint with the national team.

His first assignment will be the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier for Morocco 2015 against Sudan on the weekend of 5/7 September 2014 in Khartoum.