Revered SAFA Chief Medical Officer [CMO] Dr Thulani Ngwenya has quit and will step down from his position at the end of this month. Dr Ngwenya has tendered his resignation and is currently serving his notice period.
While specific reasons for Dr Ngwenya’s departure have not been publicly disclosed, it is understood that he encountered various challenges during his tenure.
The KaNyamazane-born sports physician has been an integral part of SAFA since 2014, serving in various capacities, including as a team doctor for Bafana Bafana under coaches such as Shakes Mashaba, Stuart Baxter and Molefi Ntseki.
Beyond his domestic duties, Dr Ngwenya has made significant contributions to African football. He regularly attends CAF and FIFA competitions and events and is currently the Chief Medical Officer for COSAFA tournaments.
His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was instrumental in navigating the challenges faced by the football community. He played a crucial role in restoring the sport to normalcy, working closely with SAFA and PSL.
DR THULANI NGWENYA’S EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE
He has risen to become one of the highly respected figures in the world of sports medicine. His extensive experience includes serving as a Doping Control Officer at prestigious events such as the 2024 Paris Olympics, the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup, and the 2023 FIFA Under 20 World Cup.
He has also been instrumental in other codes, serving as CMO for Team SA at the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games. His contributions to African football are significant, as evidenced by his role as a Doping Control Officer at the 2022 and 2023 AFCON and his current position on the CAF Medical Commission. Recently, he oversaw MRI assessments for the U-17 AFCON 2025/COSAFA Qualifier, demonstrating his commitment to fair play and player welfare.
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