Molefi Ntseki’s first stint with Bafana Bafana from 2019 to 2021 ended in disappointment, with just four wins from nine matches, marking a largely unsuccessful period.
However, the 56-year-old coach has been given another chance with Bafana for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers, and his return has been off to a promising start. After drawing 1-1 at home against Egypt, Bafana bounced back with a resilient away win, advancing to the final round of qualifiers.
What would qualifying for CHAN mean for Ntseki’s career?
Securing a spot for Bafana at the tournament would be a major redemption for Ntseki, especially given the criticism surrounding his coaching abilities. His disappointing spell at Kaizer Chiefs in 2023, where he was unable to make a significant impact despite being given four months, added to the doubts about his credentials.
Reflecting on the Egypt match, Ntseki credited his team’s success to the preparation done in training.
“I believe we won the game in our training sessions,” Ntseki said. “The plan we had worked out, and the players executed it well, showing high technical endurance. They were able to maintain the technical plan for the entire match, which was key. Scoring early also unsettled Egypt, especially on their home ground.”
Ntseki praised his team’s discipline, particularly without the ball, and commended the players on the bench and in the stands for their support. He’s set to lead Bafana in the final qualifying rounds, hoping to continue the progress and achieve success.
