Shakes Mashaba Receives Honorary AFCON Bronze Medal Amid Hospital Stay

• Former Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba was honored with an honorary AFCON bronze medal while undergoing treatment for a bladder issue at the hospital.
• Admitted to Helen Joseph Hospital in January 2025, Mashaba was visited by SAFA president Danny Jordaan, who personally presented the legendary coach with the prestigious medal.
• South African football fans took to social media to celebrate Mashaba’s achievement, though some raised questions about Jordaan’s motivations behind the visit.

In a heartwarming gesture, SAFA president Danny Jordaan stopped by the hospital to visit former Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba and presented him with an honorary AFCON bronze medal. This act of kindness highlights the respect and admiration the football community holds for Mashaba, a true icon of South African soccer.

Mashaba, who has been in the hospital since January 2025 due to bladder-related complications, was visited by top SAFA officials, including Jordaan. The visit not only brought joy to Mashaba but also shone a light on the challenges he has faced during his recovery process at Helen Joseph Hospital.

Beyond just handing over the medal, Jordaan took the opportunity to express his admiration for Mashaba, recognizing the immense contributions the coach has made to the sport during his two stints as Bafana Bafana’s head coach.

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Danny Jordaan Pays Tribute to Shakes Mashaba

Danny Jordaan’s visit was widely shared on social media, sparking a mix of emotions among local football fans. According to a tweet from SAFA, Jordaan personally delivered the medal to Mashaba, who expressed immense gratitude for the gesture. However, Mashaba also mentioned his disappointment with the level of care he received at the hospital.

During the visit, Mashaba shared his thoughts, saying:

“Your visit is such a pleasant surprise, but the AFCON bronze medal is the cherry on top. We’ve all been following this incredible Bafana Bafana team under coach Hugo Broos, and we couldn’t be prouder. This team truly represents the spirit of South African football!”

Mashaba joins a select group of former Bafana coaches who have been awarded honorary AFCON bronze medals. In March 2024, Hugo Broos similarly honored Jomo Sono with the same recognition.

Mashaba Cheers on Bafana Bafana

After receiving the medal, Mashaba extended his best wishes to Bafana Bafana ahead of the 2025 AFCON tournament. The team, led by coach Hugo Broos, is set to face off against Egypt, Zimbabwe, and Angola in what promises to be a challenging group stage. Broos expressed confidence in his team’s ability to qualify for the knockout rounds and is already preparing them for the tournament, which kicks off in Morocco in December.

Bafana enters the tournament on the heels of their bronze medal win at the 2024 AFCON and a significant rise in their FIFA ranking, now at 57th, their highest in a decade. Mashaba believes this momentum will serve the team well as they aim for another strong showing on the international stage.

While many fans praised Jordaan’s gesture, others questioned the sincerity behind his visit. Social media reactions ranged from heartfelt appreciation to critical commentary.

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Sipho S Mogale commended SAFA, saying:

“Good move, Mr. Jordaan.”

Evens Evt Stee Lamola suggested:

“It might be worth considering transferring him to a private hospital for better care.”

Qocwa Jojo expressed frustration, stating:

“When is this president stepping down?”

Tinyiko Mabasa questioned Jordaan’s intentions, pointing out:

“Danny didn’t seem to like Shakes when he was coaching. Now, it feels like he’s trying to manipulate public opinion by highlighting how he supposedly ruined Bra Shakes’ career.”

Rock Benson celebrated Mashaba, describing him as:

“A very colorful and down-to-earth personality: Bra ‘SHAKES’ Mashaba.”

Bafana Bafana Star Faces Uncertain Future

Meanwhile, the football world keeps spinning, with another Bafana Bafana star, Shaune Mogaila, facing a crossroads in his career. Mogaila has been barred from first-team training at Sekhukhune United following a culpable homicide investigation related to a tragic car accident in October 2024. The incident claimed the life of a nine-year-old girl, leaving many in the community shaken and demanding accountability.

As the investigation unfolds, Mogaila’s future remains uncertain, highlighting the delicate balance between sportsmanship and personal responsibility. The story serves as a reminder that even the most celebrated athletes must navigate the complexities of life both on and off the field.