Doctor Khumalo appointed SAFA Technical Committee vice-chairman

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Doctor Khumalo has been appointed vice-chairman of the South African Football Association’s Technical Committee.

SAFA confirmed the appointment on Sunday after its National Executive Committee (NEC) held an Ordinary Meeting in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The meeting also saw members elect new vice-presidents and establish several committees, including those responsible for technical matters, finance, schools and competitions.

Khumalo, who was part of the Bafana Bafana team that won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), will serve as deputy to Jack Maluleke. Maluleke retains his position as chairman of the Technical Committee.

The 59-year-old will support Maluleke in overseeing the committee’s wide range of responsibilities, which cover football development, coaching and technical administration.

According to SAFA’s statutes, the Technical Committee analyses football training and technical development, identifies ways to improve training methods and works to raise coaching standards.

Its responsibilities also include organising courses and conferences for instructors, trainers, coaches and administrators. The committee is required to prepare teaching and coaching material for players, trainers, coaches and referees.

It may also recommend coaches for South Africa’s national teams, assess and submit proposals relating to the promotion and development of football, and advise the NEC on reports provided by national-team coaches.

The committee is further responsible for developing and maintaining regulations governing football pitches, as well as addressing the medical aspects of the game.

Khumalo’s coaching and technical background

Khumalo brings experience from both coaching and technical positions to his new administrative role.

The former Kaizer Chiefs player previously served as an assistant coach at the club, known as the Glamour Boys. He later became technical director at Baroka FC before taking charge as the club’s caretaker coach.

That background in football operations and technical matters will now inform his work as vice-chairman of SAFA’s Technical Committee.

SAFA President Danny Jordaan announced the appointments following the NEC meeting, which also dealt with a number of other matters as the association confirmed its new committee structures.