Mayor congratulates new Bafana coach
Ekurhuleni mayor, Clr Mondli Gungubele, congratulates new Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba on his appointment.
Mashaba (63) will be in charge of the senior side for his second stint having occupied the hot seat in 2002. He replaces outgoing boss Gordon Igesund, whose contract was not renewed.
Mashaba’s appointment also means the Soweto-born tutor leaves his role as national u-20 and u-23 coach.
“Shakes knows a lot about local football,” proclaims the mayor.
“He was one of our great players and has coached from the day he quit playing. As a coach he has been successful at various levels of the game.
“He boasts of a wealth of experience in both junior and professional football. That he is South African is just a cherry on top,” he adds.
The mayor says South Africans need to rally behind the coach and Bafana in order to ensure success and bringing back the glory days.
“Shakes was once at the helm of Bafana; if there is a man who understands the pressure that goes with the job, it has to be him. Now that he is getting a second bite we need to support him.
“We know it is not going to be easy, but with hard work, dedication and support from the nation, nothing is impossible.
“We cannot afford to be so below in the FIFA world and Africa rankings; we are former African champions and the whole of Africa knows what we are capable of.
“What we need now is to focus on regaining our glory as a soccer powerhouse.” – @SabeloBoksburg
