WEEKEND SPLASH
Mihlali Baleka|Published
Doctor Khumalo has long been regarded as the poster boy of South African football. His top-tier playing talent, charismatic screen presence, and sharp analysis on SABC Sport have made him the epitome of the “complete football personality”.
However, the time has come for Khumalo to move beyond being just the face of football. His appointment as the new vice-chairperson of the SAFA technical committee marks a new chapter, and perhaps the most important role he has ever held since hanging up his boots.
The technical committee operates under the National Executive Committee (NEC), which oversees the association's executive structures, including Chief Executive Officer Lydia Monyepao and President Danny Jordaan.
The technical committee is responsible for the appointment of national team coaches, the implementation of training methodologies, and the review of national team performances across the board.
Led by chairperson Jack Maluleke alongside Khumalo, the committee oversees Technical Director Molefi Ntseki as well as all national team tacticians, including Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane and Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis.
Given the high calibre of the coaching personnel involved, Khumalo has a group of knowledgeable, successful, and experienced coaches to work alongside.
While he might not boast the same credentials, he has earned coaching qualifications and previously served as technical director at Baroka FC, even though his stint was short-lived.
Throughout his post-playing career, however, it is arguably the experience Khumalo gained as a footballer during his heyday that will prove most valuable in his new role. His responsibility is not to unearth the next Doctor Khumalo, but rather to ensure that past, present, and future talents receive the right support to thrive and flourish.
There has been a widespread outcry over the lack of former footballers within SAFA structures, and rightfully so. Their playing experiences may differ, but the expertise and knowledge they have gathered over the years can positively impact the current and next generations of players, as the fundamentals of football largely remain the same.
Granted, players are earning significantly more money than they did back in the day, but the support needed to develop a complete footballer goes beyond a salary. Before players can perform on the pitch, they need to be supported in maintaining their well-being both at home and on the training ground.
SAFA has development structures for a reason: they are there to identify, develop, and nurture the best talent for South African football. That is why players' specific needs must be catered for at every stage of their development.
This role will require Khumalo to remain open to learning and take things as they come, as a rushed approach could undermine his efforts. However, it helps that his mentors include Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates chairmen Kaizer Motaung and Irvin Khoza.
Just this week, Khumalo visited Motaung to seek his blessing following the new appointment. That was an encouraging step in the right direction, given that Motaung played a pivotal role in shaping his career and remains one of the most respected visionaries 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.
Having also received an honorary doctorate from the Tshwane University of Technology earlier this year, Khumalo enters this space with significant backing. The time has come for the South African icon to step beyond the studio lights and drive meaningful progress behind the scenes.