December 29 – Staff at the South African Football Association (SAFA) have been warned that many of them could lose their jobs in the New Year following a staff audit undertaken by new President Kirsten Nematandani (pictured).
A decision on how many and who will be made redundant will be made at a meeting on Robben Island due to be held between January 8 and 10.
Nematandani said: ”We are very far with the staff audit and the issue will be among those we will discuss during the bosberaad (think-tank).
“In fact, a lot of issues that have to do with our organisation will be discussed on Robben Island.
“We will also discuss our strategic plan as we move towards the World Cup.
“At the end of the day one needs staff that will support the vision and mission for the organisation.”
Since taking over in September, Nematandani has already made several staff redundant, including security guards Albert Hlongwane and Mandla Masango, and team doctor Ephraim Nematswerani, who had worked with South Africa’s national team for more than 10 years.
Among the staff expected to be axed in the latest round of redundancies is former Bafana coach Screamer Tshabalala, who has held an unspecified role within the SAFA since being replaced as manager of the national by Briton Stuart Baxter in 2004.