Molefi Ntseki could be set for a surprise return to the Bafana Bafana dugout, with SAFA reportedly considering the former national team coach as a short-term solution while negotiations with Pitso Mosimane remain unresolved.
With the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign approaching, the coaching situation has become increasingly urgent.
Ntseki emerges as possible interim option
SAFA could turn to Ntseki to oversee Bafana Bafana’s opening AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea in September, should the association fail to finalise a permanent appointment in time.
The possibility comes as negotiations with Pitso Mosimane continue to encounter difficulties, particularly over the composition of his proposed technical team.
Mosimane reportedly wants to bring his preferred backroom staff on a permanent basis, with those contractual demands understood to be one of the issues delaying an agreement.
Rather than risk entering the qualifiers without a settled coaching structure, SAFA is reportedly considering Ntseki as an interim appointment while discussions with Mosimane continue.
Mosimane talks remain the bigger picture
Mosimane remains a major name in the conversation surrounding the Bafana Bafana job, but the delay has left SAFA with a difficult decision.
The association has reportedly also explored other options, including former Bafana coach Hugo Broos, but the Belgian was not interested in taking charge for only the two upcoming qualifiers.
That leaves Ntseki as a potentially practical short-term option.
An interim appointment would also give SAFA additional time to resolve the outstanding issues with Mosimane without rushing into a long-term decision.
A familiar face could return
A return to the national team would represent another chapter in Ntseki’s coaching career.
The 57-year-old previously managed Bafana Bafana between 2019 and 2021, before his tenure came to an end following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2021 AFCON tournament.
During his previous spell, Ntseki took charge of nine official matches, recording four victories, two draws and three defeats.
Whether he gets the opportunity to return remains dependent on how SAFA’s negotiations with Mosimane develop.
For now, the priority is clear: Bafana need a coach before the AFCON qualifiers begin.
