Ntseki’s plans for Bafana
ON BOARD: TROTT MOLOTO JOINS THE REVOLUTION
Anew era has arrived for Bafana Bafana, after new coach Molefi Ntseki outlined his plans for his tenure, which include a new system of selecting players for the country’s senior national football team. Ntseki said he would have a panel who will thoroughly profile players and constantly monitor them so that he has full information on every player called up to the squad.
“We have brought in knowledgeable people who I think will be of help in taking Bafana to the next level. I don’t believe it is all about me, but the collective. That is why I have already started engaging with PSL coaches. I felt we needed to have a scouting and selection team,” he said.
He has also asked Mamelodi Sundowns to release advisor to club president and former Bafana coach Trott Moloto to be his technical advisor, while Arthur Zwane is an assistant coach. Ntseki said he felt Moloto’s wisdom as a legend of the game who also coached at the highest level will help him.
“I have asked Sundowns to release coach Trott Moloto who will be coming in as technical advisor and mentor because of his vast experience in the national teams.
“I have a good relationship with him as a legend of the game and coach. He will be somebody whom we can consult and share ideas with in order to manage our players better,” said Nsteki.
Ntseki, whose appointment raised eyebrows, with some supporters feeling he was not the right candidate, understands why some people are sceptical. Speaking to the media for the first time since his appointment on a full-time basis in Rosebank yesterday, Ntseki started by narrating his coaching CV.
“When I got the call I smiled. But when I was about to celebrate, reality crept in… to think now you are in charge. Now it’s a responsibility and opportunity. You need to go out there and do your best while understanding that you are carrying the whole nation.
“If you look at what happened to your predecessors it means you should have a way of understanding the environment before you even start operating in it.
“Everybody has a right to an opinion. Sometimes you have an opinion about somebody because you don’t know that person. At times you have an opinion because you think you know that person. But all that is important is the opportunity which has been given to me. I’m not in a position to prove anybody wrong.
“I’m in this position to serve my country and do the best I can. And I think I’m in this position to get the best out of our players whom I think, with that understanding and repertoire, they will also get the best out of me.”
Bafana meet Zambia in a friendly on Saturday afternoon in what will be Ntseki’s first match as head coach of the team.