Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Doctor Khumalo has expressed his gratitude and readiness to serve South African football following his appointment as deputy chairman of the South African Football Association (SAFA) Technical Committee.
Khumalo was welcomed to SAFA House by association president Dr Danny Jordaan this week, days after being appointed deputy to Technical Committee chairman Jack Maluleke at SAFA’s Ordinary Meeting held in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Sunday.
During his visit, Khumalo met briefly with Jordaan and SAFA technical director Molefi Ntseki, marking the beginning of his new responsibilities within the association.
Jordaan congratulated the former national team star on his appointment, expressing confidence that he would embrace the opportunity to contribute to the development of South African football.
“Congratulations after your appointment to the SAFA Technical Committee this past weekend. This is the start of a journey that I am sure you are looking forward to,” Jordaan told Khumalo.
The former Bafana Bafana midfielder, who remains one of the country’s most celebrated football legends, welcomed the appointment and acknowledged the confidence shown in him by SAFA’s leadership.
Khumalo, who was part of the South African team that won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, admitted that the appointment had come as a surprise but said he was humbled by the opportunity to serve.
“Thank you to President Dr Jordaan, the SAFA NEC and the chairman, Maluleke, for the trust and belief in me. To be honest, I never saw it coming and never thought that so much would be bestowed on me,” Khumalo said.
“This is an eye-opener in terms of the vision of the association. I am humbled to serve.”
Khumalo also praised the progress made in South African football over the past five years, particularly across different age groups in both men’s and women’s football.
He expressed hope that his experience and knowledge of the game would enable him to make a meaningful contribution to the continued growth and development of the sport.
His appointment comes at a time when South African football continues to focus on strengthening its technical structures, developing young talent and improving the competitiveness of its national teams.
With his extensive experience as a former international player and his standing in the local football fraternity, Khumalo will now have an opportunity to contribute to the technical direction of the game beyond his playing career.
