National men’s football coach Shakes Mashaba has been sent packing by the South African Football Association.

Mashaba had been placed on suspension after incidents at the World Cup qualifier against Senegal, after publicly insulting SAFA president Danny Jordaan.

SAFA conducted a five-day disciplinary hearing earlier this month, chaired by an independent legal expert.

The 66-year-old coach was found guilty of all three charged levelled against him, namely:

1. Gross Misconduct/Professional Misconduct

2. Gross Insubordination/Professional Misconduct

3. Violation of the SAFA Communications Policy

‘It is regrettable that we had to face the events of the past month at a time when the national team is experiencing a resurgence in its quest to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.’ said SAFA CEO, Dennis Mumble.

‘Due to the seriousness of the Coach’s actions, we had to release our Head Coach with immediate effect. We shall immediately institute a search for a new head coach familiar with African football competition who will be expected to continue the quest to qualify for the world’s apex football competition. We ask all supporters to continue to support Bafana Bafana,’ the SAFA CEO continued.

The Association will urgently consult its internal structures for the purpose of finding a replacement as soon as possible.

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