Former Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba is facing the toughest battle of his life after being diagnosed with prostate cancer and tuberculosis, with his health reportedly deteriorating rapidly.
The 75-year-old football icon has been battling a series of health complications for the past two years and has allegedly exhausted his savings while paying for medical treatment.
Mashaba no longer has medical aid and now relies on treatment at government health facilities.
News of his condition emerged on the #SNAWA show with Andile Ncube, prompting an outpouring of support from the football fraternity.
Nandi Ledwaba, head of the South African Gallery of Legends, said she was deeply saddened after visiting Mashaba on Saturday, 20 June.
“We discovered that his health has worsened and that he no longer has medical aid. The family has been relying on Uber services to take him to medical appointments and hospital visits. I have offered them my vehicle to make travelling to his appointments easier,” Ledwaba said.
Despite his declining health, she said Mashaba remained upbeat and continued to display his trademark sense of humour.
“He was still cracking jokes and sharing ideas, just like the Shakes we all know,” she said.
Former South African Football Association (Safa) president Dennis Mumble said the former national team coach’s prolonged illness had left him in severe financial distress.
“The coach is in a very difficult condition and urgently needs assistance. He has been unwell for quite some time and has spent most of his money on medical expenses. The prostate cancer diagnosis has placed even more pressure on the family,” Mumble said.
According to Mumble, Mashaba is now bedridden and requires a wheelchair to get around.
“He struggles to walk and the financial strain has only added to the burden. We are trying to ease that pressure because stress is detrimental to his recovery,” he said.
The family has since opened a Capitec bank account to receive donations from members of the public to assist with Mashaba’s medical expenses and daily living costs.
“The decision to seek public assistance was taken by Bra Shakes and his family. The account has been opened by his daughter and will receive contributions from anyone willing to help,” Mumble explained.
Meanwhile, former Safa leader Fanyana Sibanyoni has pledged to assist in settling Mashaba’s home loan.
“I believe the bond is the most pressing issue because if he loses his home, surviving this illness will become even more difficult. That is why I have committed myself to helping pay off the bond,” Sibanyoni said.
The football community has continued to rally behind the man who dedicated decades of his life to developing and serving South African football.
