South Africa are in a tricky group at the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024) where they have co-hosts Uganda, Algeria, Guinea and Niger and the job of getting out of it rests on coach Molefi Ntseki.
To get out of Group C will be tough for South Africa, who begin their campaign against Algeria on August 14, but Ntseki will have to work his magic to get to the knockout round at the tournament set to be hosted in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from August 2-30.
Who are Coaching South Africa’s CHAN team?
While Hugo Broos remains the head coach of South Africa’s senior national team, Ntseki is the man who will be in the dugout during the CHAN tournament and will be assisted by Amajita AFCON-winning tactician Raymond Mdaka.
The former technical director of Marumo Gallants received a recommendation from the SAFA technical committee and has since focused on scouting and preparing players from the PSL and lower divisions, aiming to build a competitive team that can challenge for honours when the tournament kicks off in August.
His extensive knowledge of South African football and experience developing young players have made him the ideal choice to lead a squad drawn entirely from local talent, many of whom will be getting their first taste of continental football at CHAN 2024.
Ntseki’s Career Highlights
Ntseki rose to prominence as head coach of Amajimbos, guiding them to runners-up finish at the 2015 African U17 Championship and qualification to the FIFA U17 World Cup.
He then served as assistant coach of Bafana Bafana before being appointed head coach of the senior national team in 2019, overseeing the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and had a brief spell as Kaizer Chiefs coach in 2023.
Ntseki’s Coaching Style
Ntseki favours a disciplined, pragmatic approach, focusing on defensive organisation and structured build-up play.
He often uses systems like 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 to keep the team compact while allowing quick transitions. His style has proven effective in stabilising teams and getting the best out of emerging talents.
Has Ntseki Been to CHAN Before?
CHAN 2024 will mark Ntseki’s first time in charge at a team at the CHAN tournament, although his experience coaching South Africa’s junior and senior national teams gives him valuable insight into continental competition.
His task will be to prepare a competitive side from a player pool limited to those active in South Africa’s domestic leagues.
His appointment has already sparked renewed focus on local talent, with several in-form PSL players earning their first national team call-ups. His emphasis on discipline, structure, and giving opportunities based on merit has been welcomed by players eager to prove themselves on the continental stage.
MOLEFI NTSEKI FACTFILE
Name: Molefi Ntseki
Nationality: South African
Age: 54 years
Current Team: South Africa (CHAN Team)
Tenure: 2025
