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Mashaba's mandate outlined

Johannesburg - Following the appointment of Ephraim Mashaba as the new coach of Bafana Bafana, South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan said that every member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) wanted “Shakes” to take over the managerial position of the national team.

Mashaba was appointed to lead the national team for the third time, at SAFA house in Nasrec last Saturday.  

Jordaan said the major focus for Mashaba is to rebuild the team to participate in the 2015 and 2017 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments as well as the 2018 Soccer World Cup in Russia.

Jordaan, 62, also hinted that the long-term vision includes securing a place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

"Every single member of the NEC wanted Shakes Mashaba to take over as head coach.

"This is a tremendous task for him as he needs to rebuild the pride of the nation. Shakes is currently away in West Africa with the Under-20 team. So he has already started with the re-building process. Those players who are at the age of 20 now will be 24 in 2018 and they will be 28 in 2022. We have to rebuild the team and Shakes Mashaba has a good knowledge when it comes to the South African youth teams.

"Our major focus for Bafana is the 2015 and 2017 AFCON tournaments and also the FIFA World Cup in Russia in 2018 and Qatar 2022. So Shakes must rebuild the team that will go and compete in 2018 and 2022. We wish him all the best of luck," concluded Jordaan.

Mashaba first took charge of the national team in 1992, after South Africa was re-admitted to international football in a caretaker capacity.

Mashaba was re-appointed in 2002 to succeed Carlos Queiroz after the latter fell out of favour with SAFA.

He then guided Bafana to the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia but was shown the door three months prior to the tournament.

His first challenge will be to overcome Nigeria and Sudan to claim a spot in next year‘s continental showpiece in Morocco.

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