Ex-Bafana Coach Backs Doctor Khumalo’s SAFA Appointment

Former Bafana Bafana coach Augusto Palacios has thrown his support behind Doctor “16V” Khumalo’s appointment to the South African Football Association (SAFA) Technical Committee, believing the South African football legend has valuable experience to contribute to the development of the game.

Khumalo’s appointment has attracted considerable attention in South African football, with many supporters welcoming the decision to give one of the country’s most celebrated football figures a greater role in shaping the future of the sport.

Palacios, who previously coached Khumalo during their time together at Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs, is well positioned to appreciate the former midfielder’s football knowledge and understanding of the game. His backing adds weight to the appointment as SAFA looks to strengthen its technical structures.

The former Chiefs star has been appointed vice-chairperson of the SAFA Technical Committee, working under chairperson Jack Maluleke. The committee plays an important role in assessing national-team performances, contributing to coaching appointments and helping guide the technical direction of South African football.

Khumalo’s appointment was confirmed by SAFA president Danny Jordaan following a meeting of the association’s National Executive Committee in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The 59-year-old brings extensive experience from his playing and coaching career. He represented Bafana Bafana during a historic period for South African football and was a key member of the team that won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.

He also enjoyed a distinguished career at Kaizer Chiefs, where his technical ability, creativity and influence made him one of the most recognisable figures in the club’s history.

Beyond his achievements as a player, Khumalo has gained experience in coaching and football analysis. His previous involvement with Chiefs and Baroka FC has given him opportunities to understand the game from different perspectives.

His new position provides a platform to use that knowledge in areas such as coaching development, talent identification and the evaluation of national teams.

SAFA’s Technical Committee is also involved in identifying and recommending coaches for the country’s national teams, making its work particularly important as South Africa seeks to maintain progress across different levels of the game.

Khumalo has previously stressed that his appointment should not be viewed as a personal achievement alone, but rather as an opportunity to serve South African football collectively.

With Palacios backing his appointment, expectations will be high for the former Bafana Bafana icon to make a meaningful contribution behind the scenes.

Ultimately, Khumalo’s challenge will be to translate his experience and football knowledge into practical improvements that benefit players, coaches and the next generation of South African talent.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2114327490252468323