Molefi Ntseki’s redemption arc with Bafana Bafana continues

Molefi Ntseki‘s tenure with Bafana Bafana from 2019 to 2021 was a failure, only winning four of the nine matches in charge.

The 56-year-old is again back in the Bafana setup for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers. The former Kaizer Chiefs coach has a second bite at the cherry and so far so good. After being held 1-1 at home against Egypt, Bafana showed a spirited display to beat the Pharaohs away to reach the final round of qualifiers.

What will Bafana’s CHAN qualification mean for Molefi Ntseki?

If Ntseki guides the team to the tournament, then he would have redeemed himself. His coaching credentials have often been questioned. His failure at Chiefs in 2023 was expected by many and despite being given four months to prove himself, the Botshabelo-born coach failed to inspire confidence in his players.

Speaking after the Bafana match, Molefi Ntseki said his team won the second leg against Egypt from the training ground.

“I think we won the game from our training sessions because the plan we had really worked out. The players managed to implement it, and they showed a high level of technical endurance,” he said.

“That is the ability to execute the technical plan for the longest time in the game, and I think they did that. What also really worked for us today was to score early, to unsettle Egypt in their home ground.”

Molefi Ntseki is expected to be on the touchline when Bafana play their final round of qualifiers in the coming weeks. He said the discipline the team showed without the ball won them Sunday’s match.

Also, the discipline that we had without the ball, I think was the best that one can look back at. Also, the players who were on the bench, players who were in the grandstand, I think they really gave the support we needed.”