Doctor Khumalo admits SAFA leadership role came as a surprise

Doctor Khumalo says his appointment as vice-chairperson of the SAFA Technical Committee came as an unexpected development, but insists his focus will be on serving South African football rather than personal recognition.

The Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs legend was named to the role by SAFA president Danny Jordaan after a National Executive Committee meeting in Sandton on Sunday. Khumalo will serve as deputy to long-standing committee chairperson Jack Maluleke.

Speaking on Radio 2000’s Game On, Khumalo said he had not anticipated being given the position.

“I must say, it came as a surprise,” said the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, who is widely known as ‘16V’.

Khumalo used the interview to thank Jordaan, the SAFA NEC, Kaizer Motaung and Irvin Khoza for their support following the announcement.

However, the former South Africa international said the new role should not be viewed as a personal achievement. He said the priority must be responding to the needs of the game and meeting the expectations of supporters across the country.

“This journey is not about me but the demands of the game. It’s about what South Africans want. It’s not about individuals or the association but the future of SA football,” he said.

Khumalo also stressed that decisions taken by the technical committee would need to be made collectively.

“I would like to believe that it will be done collectively,” he said.

“It’s not Doc Khumalo’s decision. Collectively, we can pull it off. I mean that this is about the country, Mzansi.”

Khumalo brings coaching and technical experience

The 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winner joins SAFA’s leadership structure with a range of coaching qualifications and experience in technical and dugout roles.

He holds a UEFA B License, as well as other coaching qualifications gained in South Africa and abroad.

Khumalo began his coaching career in the Kaizer Chiefs set-up, where he worked as an assistant coach. He later served as technical director and caretaker coach at Baroka FC.

Those roles, he said, had given him the preparation required for his new responsibilities.

“Yes, of course, I did some coaching courses here in the country and outside. I do have the capabilities to deliver on the needs,” Khumalo said.

He added that his appointment provided an opportunity to contribute, but that the direction of his work would ultimately be shaped by the requirements of South African football.

“It’s the association that has given me the platform, but it’s the demands of the game that will determine the way forward,” he concluded.