Masinga calls on Safa to appoint local coach to guide Bafana

Thembinkosi Sekgaphane

Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana striker Phil Masinga (right) says he would prefer it if the South African Football Association appointed a local coach to lead the national team.

Masinga isn’t shy in nominating his suitable replacements for Shakes Mashaba, and it is not Stuart Baxter, though he does acknowledge that he likes the Scottish SuperSport United coach, who is believed to be on the verge of signing a deal to coach Bafana for the second time.

“We should have given Gavin Hunt or Pitso Mosimane a chance,” says Masinga.

“The good thing is that Baxter has coached two clubs and he did well and life will be easier for him, because he has a better understanding of local football and the players,” said the former Cosmos and Leeds United striker.

“Pitso should have been given a chance. He has done well – no one has achieved what he has achieved in this country.”

The forward, whose goal sent Bafana Bafana to the 1998 World Cup, endorses the squad recently called up to represent South Africa in two friendly matches against Guinea-Bissau and Angola – caretaker coach Owen da Gama picked a youthful squad and also recalled a couple of players out of favour under Mashaba, to set the tone for the incoming coach.

“We have a lot of good young players and it is good that they can represent the country at such an early age. We need to protect them and nurture their talent,” added Masinga.

“The national age-group teams are doing well and they have done well to quality for major tournaments, the under-17s and under 20s.”

Masinga has 58 caps to his name and believes his experience and that of other former players could help players reach their full potential in the national team.