Doctor Khumalo’s extensive knowledge of South African football was the main reason behind his appointment to the South African Football Association (Safa) technical committee, says its chair Jack Maluleke.
The former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder was elected deputy chair of the committee during Safa’s three-day national executive committee meeting in Sandton at the weekend.
Khumalo was part of the South African side that won the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) on home soil in 1996. His appointment was confirmed by Safa president Danny Jordaan after the meeting, which also saw Linda Zwane, Natasha Tsichlas and Tankiso Modipa elected as Jordaan’s vice-presidents.
Maluleke said Khumalo’s football background would strengthen a committee responsible for identifying amateur players for the junior national teams. The body also recommends senior national coaches for consideration and ratification by the national executive committee.
“You must remember that the technical committee should be inclusive. We also have former and current coaches in the committee because we need the brains of all people with the technical knowledge of what is happening in the football fraternity,” Maluleke said.
Khumalo enjoyed a distinguished playing career, particularly with Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana, although his coaching career was less successful. Maluleke believes the former midfielder remains the right choice for the role.
“When we looked around, we had several names, but others are employed with different teams. Doc is a qualified coach and his contribution to football as a legend and coach triggered our decision to say he is the relevant person.
“We need such people to make a difference in the country. The reason we looked at him is that when you have him, you have a legend, coach, analyst and an expert in football.
“There might be others out there, but they serve different purposes and we felt the person who is correctly placed is Doctor Khumalo.”
Maluleke said scouting would be the committee’s principal responsibility and that its members would not interfere with existing structures. Coaches would be sent to different areas to assess players, with Khumalo also expected to contribute during those visits.
“Our job is mostly scouting and we look at players even though we cannot interfere. We send some of our coaches to those areas and if Doc is there we have a package,” he said.
Coaches working at lower levels will be able to draw on Khumalo’s experience as he engages with their structures during scouting missions, Maluleke added.
Questions had been raised about Khumalo’s coaching qualifications, but Maluleke said he held the credentials required for the committee’s work.
“That’s why we felt it was the best decision to involve him. He has a Caf A licence,” he said.
Maluleke also named Bobbie Solomons and former professional football player Goodman Mazibuko among the committee’s technical figures. He said the body needed three to four technical experts capable of assessing and adapting Safa’s policies.
The committee will work closely with Safa technical director Molefi Ntseki, who has experience in football development and coaching at both junior and senior level.
