The Bafana Bafana coaching saga has taken another twist, with Molefi Ntseki reportedly emerging as a possible interim option as negotiations between SAFA and Pitso Mosimane remain unresolved.
With the next AFCON qualifiers approaching, the football association may need a short-term solution while it continues discussions over the appointment of a permanent head coach.
SAFA could turn to Ntseki
Ntseki has previously occupied the Bafana hot seat, taking charge of the national team between 2019 and 2021.
His spell ended after South Africa failed to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, but he has since remained involved in South African football and returned to work within the SAFA setup.
The former Kaizer Chiefs coach is now reportedly being considered as a temporary solution should the association fail to finalise its negotiations with Mosimane.
Mosimane talks hit a stumbling block
Mosimane had emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Hugo Broos after the Belgian’s departure following five years in charge.
However, discussions have reportedly stalled over aspects of the proposed deal, including financial terms and the composition of Mosimane’s technical team.
That uncertainty has put SAFA under pressure, with Bafana’s 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign approaching.
According to reports, the association could therefore ask Ntseki to step in for the opening fixtures while negotiations over the permanent position continue.
Ntseki’s Bafana history
A return to the national team would represent a remarkable second chance for Ntseki.
After leaving the Bafana position, he worked with Kaizer Chiefs, initially in their development structures before taking charge of the senior side. His stint as Amakhosi head coach was brief.
He has also been involved with the Bafana Bafana CHAN setup and currently has experience within the national football administration.
Supporters divided over possible return
The prospect of Ntseki returning has already generated debate among Bafana supporters, with some questioning whether he should be given another opportunity at international level.
For SAFA, however, the immediate priority could simply be ensuring that Bafana have a coach in place when the AFCON qualifiers arrive.
If the Mosimane negotiations remain deadlocked, Ntseki could find himself back on the Bafana bench sooner than expected.
