Johannesburg - Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula has lauded the SA Football Association (Safa) for appointing Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba as the new Bafana Bafana coach.
“This is a great day. I am delighted by the NEC (national executive committee) decision. I’m very happy that we’ve finally considered a South African.
“When we talk of our football philosophy, Shakes resonates with that.
“I’m filled with happiness in my heart. It is supreme that you have chosen Shakes,” Mbalula said at Safa House on Saturday.
Mashaba was announced as the replacement for Gordon Igesund at the helm of the country’s senior national team, with Safa president Danny Jordaan saying the man who was returning for a second term would be in charge until 2018.
Mashaba was previously Bafana coach from 2002 to 2004, having also been in charge of the squad on numerous occasions as a caretaker.
Sunday Independent