The South African Football Association has officially announced the appointments of Molefi Ntseki as the Association’s Technical Director and Desiree Ellis as head coach of Banyana Banyana. These appointments follow recommendations from the SAFA Technical Committee and were approved during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Mbombela on Tuesday, 14 October.
The NEC convened to discuss several key issues impacting the growth and future direction of South African football. Both Ntseki and Ellis have been awarded four-year contracts, a decision aimed at fostering continuity and long-term stability across the nation’s football programs.
“The Technical Committee recommended Molefi Ntseki for the role of Technical Director and Desiree Ellis to lead Banyana Banyana. Both were endorsed for four-year terms by the NEC,” SAFA confirmed in an official statement.
Ntseki, who previously held the position of Bafana Bafana head coach, has already engaged with FIFA, which has shown support for his technical programs. FIFA has commended South Africa for its recent progress in youth football, noting the participation of both the U17 and U20 national teams in FIFA World Cup tournaments this year.
The Association highlighted FIFA’s acknowledgment of the strides made in youth development and the growing competitiveness of South African teams on the global stage.
Amajita’s Historic Achievement
The NEC also extended congratulations to Amajita, the South African U20 Men’s National Team, for their remarkable performance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. Under coach Raymond Mdaka, the team became the first South African national side to win two matches at a FIFA World Cup, advancing to the Round of 16 for the first time since 2009.
The NEC praised both players and coaching staff, emphasizing the significance of youth football as a foundation for future Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana stars.
Celebrating Bafana Bafana’s World Cup Qualification
Following the NEC meeting, members attended Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium. Coach Hugo Broos’ team secured a 3-0 victory, officially booking their place at the 2026 tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The NEC lauded the national team’s performance, commending the players and technical staff for their discipline, determination, and role in restoring pride to South African football.
This series of appointments and celebrations underscores SAFA’s commitment to both strategic leadership and the continued success of South African football on the global stage.
SAFA Leads the Charge
With these strategic appointments and a strong showing from both youth and senior national teams, SAFA is reinforcing its commitment to long-term growth and success in South African football. The Association’s focus on leadership and development sets the stage for continued achievements on the global stage.
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