TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Know the Coach: Molefi Ntseki (South Africa)
South Africa will look to make a strong statement at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, and the responsibility of guiding Bafana Bafana’s locally based squad will rest on the experienced shoulders of Molefi Ntseki.
While Hugo Broos remains the head coach of South Africa’s senior national team, it is Ntseki who has been appointed to take charge of the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN squad, which consists exclusively of players competing in the domestic leagues.
Ntseki’s appointment was confirmed earlier this year, with national team assistant coach Helman Mkhalele stepping back from coaching the qualifiers squad.
Ntseki, who was a school teacher before transitioning to coaching will be assisted by TotalEnergies CAF U-20 winning coach, 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 Premiership 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.
Name: Molefi Ntseki
Nationality: South African
Age: 54 years
Current Team: South Africa (CHAN Team)
Tenure: 2025
Career Highlights
Ntseki rose to prominence as head coach of South Africa’s U17 national team, guiding them to a runners-up finish at the 2015 African U17 Championship and qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup.
He first served as assistant coach of Bafana Bafana before being appointed head coach of the senior national team in 2019, overseeing the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2021 qualification campaign.
Ntseki also had a brief stint as Kaizer Chiefs head coach in 2023 and has held roles in youth development at clubs including Free State Stars and Bloemfontein Celtic.
Coaching StyleNtseki 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.
TotalEnergies CAF CHAN Experience
CHAN 2024 will mark Ntseki’s first time in charge at a TotalEnergies CAF 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.
Impact on the TeamNtseki’s appointment has already sparked renewed focus on local talent, with several in-form Premiership 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.
Ntseki has made it clear his goal is not simply to participate but to mount a serious challenge, restore pride in Bafana Bafana’s local contingent, and unearth future stars for the senior national team.
Fun Fact
Ntseki remains passionate about youth development and is often spotted at youth and Reserve League matches, where he scouts potential new faces for national teams. He frequently cites his teaching background as a key asset in communicating effectively with young players.
Conclusion
With Molefi Ntseki at the helm, South Africa’s TotalEnergies CAF CHAN squad enters the tournament with hope and determination. His experience and belief in local talent provide optimism that Bafana Bafana can compete fiercely and make an impact at this year’s finals.