Doctor Khumalo appointed Safa technical committee deputy chair

Doctor Khumalo says he was “surprised” to be elected deputy chair of the South African Football Association’s technical committee and has thanked Safa president Danny Jordaan, Kaizer Motaung and Irvin Khoza for their support.

The 59-year-old Bafana Bafana legend was chosen to serve under technical committee chairperson Jack Maluleke at Safa’s first ordinary meeting since last month’s elections. The meeting was held at the NH Hotel in Sandton on Sunday.

Khumalo, known as “16v”, said his appointment had not been expected.

“It [his election as Safa technical committee deputy chairperson] came as a surprise,” Khumalo said on Thabiso Mosia’s Game On show on Radio 2000 on Monday night.

“I really don’t have many words, but the least I can say is thank you very much to the Safa NEC and also extend my gratitude to the Safa president and chairperson of the technical committee.”

He also expressed his appreciation to the leaders of South Africa’s two biggest clubs, as well as to his family.

“I’ll be failing if I don’t thank Kaizer Motaung and Irvin Khoza and the president of Safa Danny Jordaan. I will be failing again if I don’t give thanks to my late parents, to my family.”

Khumalo takes over the deputy position from Buddh Mathathe, the suspended president of the SA Masters and Legends Football Association (Samlfa).

Despite acknowledging the surprise of his appointment, Khumalo said he had the experience and qualifications required to make a contribution. He added that the role should be guided by the needs of South African football rather than personal ambition.

“I did some coaching courses outside SA and in SA and I do have the capacity and capability of delivering what the needs are,” he said.

“This journey isn’t about me. This journey is about the demands of the game. This journey is about what South Africans want.”

The technical committee is responsible for examining football training and technical development, while also working to improve coaching methods.

It identifies, assesses and recommends head coaches for all national teams. The committee is also tasked with raising coaching standards by improving qualifications and arranging courses and conferences for coaches.

Its responsibilities extend to youth development strategies, talent identification, grassroots academies, women’s football programmes and school football initiatives.

The committee monitors and evaluates the performances of the national football teams, while helping align domestic tactics and technical standards with Fifa guidelines.