Bafana Bafana head of tactical and performance analysis, Sinesipho Mali, has stepped down from his role with the South African men’s national team.
Mali ends a successful four-year tenure with the national team, where he was an integral part of Hugo Broos’ technical team.
He was key to the backroom staff that guided South Africa to a bronze medal finish at the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] in Ivory Coast.
Mali departs the national team setup boasting one of the most impressive analytical profiles on the continent. The former Kaizer Chiefs scout and performance analyst is an Elite International Scout who completed his studies at the UEFA Academy in 2023. He made history as the sole African graduate from his class.
Moreover, he remains the youngest African to possess the top scouting credential in global football. In addition to his elite scouting credentials, Mali also holds a CAF or SAFA B Licence coaching qualification.
To top it off, Mali also served as the head of scouting and performance analyst at Sekhukhune United. He also spent time as the Sporting Director at Chippa United.
SINESIPHO MALI ON HIS RESIGNATION FROM HIS ROLE AT BAFANA BAFANA
Mali confirmed his departure on X [formally known as Twitter]. He further opened up about the decision during an interview on Metro FM on Thursday night.
“As I close this chapter as a Performance Analyst [at Bafana Bafana], I welcome the next step in my career path to continue serving this beautiful game,” Mali posted on X.
Expanding on his exit during his radio interview, he added: “I can confirm that I no longer serve as head of analysis for Bafana Bafana. I made this decision before the World Cup. My chapter with the South African national team is finished, I will now focus on other projects.”
WHAT LED TO MALI’S BAFANA EXIT?
While Mali maintained that his departure was predetermined before the ongoing FIFA World Cup, his resignation follows the controversy surrounding his recent public remarks.
The analyst drew heavy criticism after Bafana’s World Cup victory against South Korea. He aggressively called out South African football fans and critics who had been questioning the team.
With his chapter at Bafana now officially closed, the elite analyst is expected to shift his focus to other projects, given his highly sought-after qualifications.
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