Former Bafana Bafana coach, Shakes Mashaba, has been hospitalized with a suspected bladder infection.
According to Sithembele Khala, a representative for the Mashaba family, the 74-year-old football legend was admitted to Helen Joseph Hospital in Auckland Park last week due to issues with urination. Khala shared the news on Radio 2000, revealing that Mashaba’s condition worsened after being admitted on January 27. At the time, his tongue was swollen, blocking his airways, and there were concerns about the quality of care he was receiving in the public hospital.
Khala expressed frustration over the delays in medical attention, mentioning that Mashaba didn’t see a doctor for a day or two. When he was finally examined, doctors diagnosed him with a suspected bladder infection and planned to insert a catheter. However, complications arose when the catheter was removed, as Mashaba couldn’t urinate again, and further issues followed.
Mashaba, known for his impactful tenure with Bafana Bafana, has been largely out of the public eye since a dramatic confrontation during the 2022 SAFA elective congress. Last year, he was inducted into the South African Football Hall of Fame. His second stint as Bafana Bafana coach saw significant success, leading the team to an unbeaten run at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. With 32 wins from 58 matches, Mashaba’s coaching record remains solid, with a win ratio of 55%.
