Doctor Khumalo begins biggest test yet in new SAFA leadership role

Doctor Khumalo has taken on what could be the most significant assignment of his football career after being appointed vice-chairperson of the South African Football Association (SAFA) technical committee.

Long regarded as one of the leading figures in South African football, Khumalo has built a reputation through his playing career, television work and analysis on SABC Sport. His new position gives him responsibility beyond his familiar role as one of the sport’s most recognisable public personalities.

The technical committee operates under SAFA’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which oversees the association’s executive structures, including chief executive officer Lydia Monyepao and president Danny Jordaan.

Its duties include appointing national team coaches, introducing training methodologies and assessing the performances of South Africa’s teams.

Khumalo will serve alongside committee chairperson Jack Maluleke and oversee technical director Molefi Ntseki, as well as the coaches of the national teams. Those coaches include Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane and Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis.

The former midfielder may not have the same coaching record as some of his new colleagues, but he has completed coaching qualifications and previously worked as technical director at Baroka FC. That spell was short-lived.

His greatest value, however, may come from what he learned during an accomplished playing career. Khumalo’s task is not simply to find another player who resembles him, but to help ensure that players at every stage of their development receive the support required to succeed.

There have been repeated calls for more former footballers to be involved in SAFA structures. Their experiences are not identical, but the knowledge they acquire during their playing careers can help shape the development of current and future generations.

Although players now earn considerably more than they did in the past, financial rewards alone do not create a complete footballer. Players also need support to protect their wellbeing at home and at training, allowing them to perform to the best of their ability on the pitch.

SAFA’s development structures are intended to identify, develop and nurture the country’s best talent. Khumalo will therefore have to ensure that players’ individual needs are addressed throughout each stage of their progress.

The former South Africa international is expected to remain patient and willing to learn in the role. A rushed approach could weaken his impact, although he can draw on the guidance of Kaizer Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung and Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza.

Khumalo visited Motaung this week to seek his blessing after accepting the appointment. Motaung played an important part in Khumalo’s career and remains one of the most respected figures in South African sport and entertainment.

“Doctor is very knowledgeable in the game. He will take all that he has developed in a career spanning over many years as a player and coach with him to the SAFA structures. We wish him well and are hoping to have a longer session with him in the next couple of weeks,” Motaung said on the club’s website.

Khumalo also received an honorary doctorate from the Tshwane University of Technology earlier this year. With that distinction and the backing of figures who helped shape his career, he now moves from the studio into a position where he can influence South African football from within its structures.