When you talk about some of the best Bafana Bafana coaches, Shakes Mashaba‘s name has to be on that list.
He might not be a household name, but the 73-year-old former coach has made a significant impact on both the senior and junior national teams over the past three decades.
Mashaba has had two notable stints with Bafana Bafana, though he was unable to complete either due to political issues. Across his time in charge, the former Black Leopards coach maintained an impressive win ratio of 55% in 58 matches. However, Mashaba’s temper and combative attitude towards the media often led to his downfall, particularly in the later years of his coaching career.
Where did it all start for Shakes Mashaba?
He spent most of his playing days at Orlando Pirates before transitioning into coaching in the mid-1980s. After a spell with Vaal Reef Stars until 1992, he shifted focus to youth development. In 1998, he was appointed coach of South Africa’s U-20 national team, and later took charge of the U-23 side at the Sydney Olympics.
His Olympic team, which featured talents like Benni McCarthy and Matthew Booth, famously stunned a Brazil side, including a young Ronaldinho, with a 3-1 victory in Brisbane during the group stage.
Following his success with the junior sides, Mashaba was brought in to help Bafana Bafana after their 2002 World Cup campaign. He remained in the role for just over a year before being dismissed after a dispute with SAFA ahead of the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations.
After a brief stint with Black Leopards, Shakes Mashaba took charge of the Swaziland national team. As South Africa’s youth structures continued to falter, he was recalled in 2011 to assist.
Shakes Mashaba’s second tenure with Bafana was a success
Following Gordon Igesund’s dismissal in 2014, Mashaba returned for his second tenure as Bafana coach. This period proved memorable, as he led the team to an unbeaten qualification campaign for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. His side also famously prevented reigning champions Nigeria from qualifying for the tournament.
Despite a bright start to the 2015 Afcon, Bafana were eliminated early, with Mashaba taking much of the blame.
Over the next year, Bafana Bafana delivered inconsistent results and ultimately failed to qualify for the 2017 Afcon. During the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Shakes Mashaba’s team collected four points from their opening two matches. A hard-fought away draw against Burkina Faso was followed by a home victory over Senegal, which rekindled fan support. Sadly, that win would be his last match in charge.
After the Senegal game in Polokwane, Mashaba publicly criticized SAFA president Danny Jordaan. He was subsequently suspended and later dismissed. Stuart Baxter replaced him, but failed to replicate Mashaba’s success, with the team ultimately missing out on the 2018 World Cup.
After his dismissal, Mashaba briefly coached Witbank Spurs in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, but was sacked within months due to poor results.
What is Shakes Mashaba doing now?
In 2022, Mashaba reemerged unexpectedly and disrupted the SAFA elective congress. Clad in a tracksuit, bomber jacket, and beanie, the former Bafana mentor stormed the venue and confronted Jordaan.
Earlier this year, the ex-Bafana coach was admitted to Helen Joseph Hospital with a baldder infection. The 74-year-old former coach has since recovered.
Affectionately known as “Bra Shakes”, Mashaba recorded 32 wins from 58 matches, an impressive feat, surpassed only by current coach Hugo Broos.
Where do you rate Bra Shakes amongst Bafana coaches?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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