SAFA Eases Former Bafana Coach Shakes Mashaba’s Pain

TIYANI WA KA MABASA|February 5, 2025

***AT EASE: The South African Football Association (SAFA), led by President Dr. Danny Jordaan, has paid Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba at the Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg. Photo: SAFA***

Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba’s contribution to Bafana Bafana over the years has not gone unnoticed.

On Wednesday, 5 February, the South African Football Association (SAFA) paid Mashaba a visit at the hospital to award him a bronze medal attained when Bafana Bafana finished third at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Ivory Coast a year ago.

Mashaba, 74, was admitted to the Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg on January 27, 2025, for a suspected bladder infection.

His hospital stay has allegedly turned into a nightmare, as his family shared that “the care has not been good”.

However, Wednesday was a brighter day as SAFA’s delegation, led by President Dr. Danny Jordaan, paid him a visit.

“Your visit is such a pleasant surprise, but the AFCON bronze medal is the cherry on top. We all follow this Bafana Bafana team under coach Hugo Broos, and we are very proud,” Mashaba told Safa.net.

Mashaba was at the helm as Bafana Bafana coach during spells in 1992, 2002-2003, and 2014-2016. He also guided the team during the COSAFA Cup along the way.

The former Orlando Pirates skipper is considered among the finest coaches to have been in charge of Bafana Bafana.

In fact, Mashaba has the highest win percentage (55%), which is better than any coach who’s been at the helm of the senior national team.

In total, Mashaba guided Bafana Bafana in 58 matches: 32 wins, 21 draws, and just five defeats.

“A lot of people have poured their hearts and souls into our national teams, and Shakes Mashaba is one of them. Don’t forget that Shakes also coached the South African junior national teams. So, it is fitting that he is recognized for his contribution and dedication to his country over the years. More importantly, we are here to visit him and offer our support,” added Dr. Jordaan.

African Times has also learned that Mashaba has been invited to Bafana Bafana’s next match, which will be against Lesotho on March 17 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo.

This will be Bafana Bafana’s fifth match of the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.