SEDIBENG.- Firstly, we were told Pitso Mosimane turned down a 5-million-a-year salary the South African Football Association (SAFA) offered.

Secondly, we were also told that SAFA doubled the salary to 10 million a year! Just when Zakes’ Sports Corner thought it was a done deal between the two parties, the technical team matter became an obstacle!

Zakes’ Sports Corner has learned that the two parties are at loggerheads.

It is common practice that a coach will bring his own technical team.

The news is that Mosimane wants to bring his own technical team while SAFA wants Hugo Broos’ technical team. Helmen Mkhelele is at the centre of the discussion, being Broos’s assistant coach.

Zakes’ Sports Corner must note that it is common practice that a coach will bring his own technical team. This is not negotiable, to say the least.

But having said this, there must also be continuity, and in this case, considering how Bafana Bafana stunned the world when they qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Last 32, one would think at least Helman Mkhelele, who was Broos’ right-hand man, would return.

There is something about loyalty!

This is how Zakes’ Sports Corner views the situation. Mosimane doesn’t need to return the entire Hugo Broos technical team.

But Zakes’ Sports Corner has learned that there is something about loyalty, especially with the upcoming SAFA election. Unfortunately, our football becomes sacrificial in these elections.

The problem with some of the people is that they use this beautiful game of football to fight their personal battles.

Bafana Bafana remains without a coach with the African Cup of Nations qualifier match around the corner.

Now, football has to suffer because of the elections that have nothing to do with the appointment of the coach or technical team.

Zakes’ Sports Corner believes the appointment of the Bafana Bafana coach came at the wrong time amid elections that will decide the future of South African football. What is happening now between SAFA and Mosimane could be influenced by these upcoming elections. As for now, Bafana Bafana remains without a coach with the African Cup of Nations qualifier match around the corner.

It is the good, the bad and the ugly of South African football at the moment!