SAFA could face a furious reaction from South African football supporters if Molefi Ntseki makes an unexpected return to the Bafana Bafana dugout.
With Hugo Broos no longer in charge and negotiations with Pitso Mosimane reportedly proving difficult, Ntseki has emerged as a potential interim option while SAFA searches for a permanent successor.
On paper, an interim appointment may appear to be a practical solution. In reality, bringing Ntseki back would raise serious questions about whether SAFA has learned anything from the past.
Ntseki previously took charge of Bafana in 2019 after Stuart Baxter’s departure. His promotion was questioned at the time, but SAFA backed him and gave him the biggest coaching job in South African football.
The results, however, failed to justify that decision.
Bafana won four of Ntseki’s nine matches, drew two and lost three. Most significantly, South Africa failed to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations despite the tournament being expanded to 24 teams.
That failure ultimately brought his first Bafana tenure to an end.
Mosimane would appear to be the obvious choice
If SAFA is looking for experience, leadership and a proven record of winning on the continent, Pitso Mosimane would appear to be a far more compelling option.
Mosimane understands South African football and has extensive experience at the highest level. His trophy-laden career, including success in the CAF Champions League, gives him the kind of pedigree that Bafana could arguably benefit from.
He also knows what it takes to manage pressure and demand high standards from players.
But reports suggest that SAFA and Mosimane have yet to agree on certain contractual terms. With Bafana’s next AFCON qualifiers approaching, the association may now be considering a temporary appointment.
And that is where Ntseki’s name reportedly comes back into the picture.
Why go back to Ntseki?
There is a legitimate argument for appointing an interim coach when negotiations over a permanent manager are taking longer than expected.
But there is an equally legitimate question: why Ntseki?
His previous Bafana record was disappointing, while his subsequent stint at Kaizer Chiefs did little to silence concerns about his suitability for the national-team job.
If SAFA requires a short-term solution, there are other experienced coaches who could potentially fill the gap.
Roger de Sa, Dan Malesela, Farouk Khan and former Bafana assistant Helman Mkhalele are among the names who could arguably be considered.
The bigger issue is not simply Ntseki himself. It is what his potential return would represent.
For years, critics have accused SAFA of repeatedly turning to familiar faces instead of casting a wider net and identifying the strongest candidate available.
Ntseki has remained closely associated with the association through various roles over the years. His name seemingly reappears whenever a vacancy opens.
That creates the perception that familiarity and internal connections can sometimes matter more than performance and merit.
Bafana need a fresh direction
South African football supporters have seen enough false starts.
Bafana need a coach capable of building on the progress made under Broos, competing consistently at continental level and establishing a clear identity for the national team.
Returning to a coach whose previous tenure ended in disappointment would send the opposite message.
SAFA has an opportunity to make a statement with its next appointment.
It should be looking forward, not backwards.
If Ntseki is brought back — even temporarily — SAFA will have to convince supporters that the decision is based on footballing merit rather than convenience.
