• Full Name: Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba
• Date of Birth: 6 August 1950
• Birthplace: Orlando East, Soweto, South Africa
• Occupation: Football Player, Football Coach, Technical Director
• Known For: Former Bafana Bafana Coach, Youth Development Specialist, Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows Legend
• Nickname: “Shakes”
• Family: Married (1979), Four Children, One Grandson

Who is Shakes Mashaba?

Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba is a South African football legend — first as a hard-tackling defender in the 1970s, and later as a pioneering coach who nurtured generations of South African footballers. A former star at Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows, Mashaba went on to manage Bafana Bafana, lead youth national teams to World Cups, and qualify South Africa for the Olympics. His fiery personality, deep football knowledge, and stubborn determination made him both a beloved and controversial figure in South African sport.

Early Life and Education

• Born on 6 August 1950 in Orlando East, Soweto.
• Grew up in a football-obsessed community.
• Took several important educational courses, including:
  • 1977-78: South African Academy Course.
  • 1988-89: Sports and Recreation Officer Level 1 & 2 (University of Potchefstroom).
  • 1992: German Full Badge Coaching Course.
  • 1994: CAF Coaching Course, Sir Bobby Charlton Coaching Course, Futuro Course.
  • 1995: English FA Leaders Course at Esselen Park, South Africa.
• Developed strong skills in team management, athlete motivation, talent identification, and physical conditioning.

Playing Career Highlights

Tussling for the ball with Kaizer Motaung.

• Started career at Orlando Preston Brothers, then signed by Orlando Pirates in 1973.
• A tough, hard-tackling defender known for man-marking and work rate.
• Played alongside greats like Jomo Sono, Patson Banda, and McDonald “Sparrow” Sikhosana.
• Major trophies with Pirates:
  • NPSL Championships: 1973, 1975, 1976
  • BP Top Eight: 1973, 1978
  • Life Challenge Cup: 1973, 1974, 1975
  • Sales House Cup: 1975, 1977
• In 1979, made a controversial move to Moroka Swallows as a player-coach — rare at the time.
• Won the BP Top 8 Cup with Swallows in 1979.
• Retired from playing at the end of the 1980 season to focus on coaching.
• But still played briefly for Swaraj FC in the Federation Professional League and Welkom Real Hearts in 1982.

Shakes Mashaba leading the Pirates team that won everything in 1973.

Early Coaching Career

• 1976: Became Caretaker Coach for Orlando Pirates.
• 1980: Served as Caretaker Coach for Moroka Swallows.
• 1981-82: Coached amateur side Orlando Preston Brothers FC.
• 1983-92: Head Coach at Vaal Reefs Stars FC, achieving major success:
  • Promoted Vaal Reefs Stars to the NSL (top division).
  • Reached Bobsave Super Bowl semi-finals in 1991.

Coaching Success and National Team Contributions

• 1992-1995: Assistant Coach for Bafana Bafana under Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala and later Clive Barker after South Africa’s FIFA readmission.
• 1995-1998: Head Coach of the South Africa Under-20 National Team (Amajita):
  • Silver Medal at 1996 COSAFA Cup (Lesotho).
  • Silver Medal at 1997 African Youth Championship (Morocco).
  • Qualified for the 1997 FIFA U-20 World Cup (Malaysia).
• 1998-2002: Head Coach of the South Africa Under-23 National Team (Amaglug-glug):
  • Gold Medal at 1998 South African Four Nations Cup.
  • Bronze Medal at 1999 All Africa Games (South Africa).
  • Qualified South Africa for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, historic first Olympic qualification.
  • Notably defeated Brazil’s U-23s (featuring Ronaldinho) in a shock victory.

Shakes Mashaba’s national under 23 team that had the likes of Hans Vonk, Fabian McCarthy, Aaron Mokwena, and Benny McCarthy.

Bafana Bafana Head Coach

• 2002-2004: Appointed Head Coach of Bafana Bafana:
  • Led qualification for AFCON 2004.
  • Sacked controversially before the tournament due to disagreements with SAFA leadership.
• 2014-2016: Reappointed as Bafana Head Coach:
  • Qualified South Africa for AFCON 2015 unbeaten in qualifiers.
  • Dismissed in late 2016 after disciplinary disputes with SAFA.

Other Coaching Roles

• 2008-2010: Head Coach of Swaziland National Team (“Sihlangu Semnikati”).
• Mentored at grassroots level, conducting coaching clinics and training programs nationwide.

Challenges and Controversies

• Known for his fiery, outspoken personality, often clashing with football authorities:
  • Suspended while at Moroka Swallows for assaulting a referee.
  • Fined R1000 for defying a suspension while coaching Vaal Reefs Stars.

Legacy and Contributions

• Major contributor to youth development, channeling stars like Bradley Carnell, Delron Buckley, Steve Lekoelea, and Junaid Hartley into senior national teams.
• Helped establish the foundation for Bafana Bafana post-FIFA readmission.
• Master developer of talent and a true believer in discipline and hard work.
• Remembered for his love for South African football, fierce independence, and influence on generations of players and coaches.

Personal Life

• Shakes Mashaba is married and has 4 children and a grandson.
• His son, Jabulani Mashaba, briefly played for South Africa’s U-20 national team but quit football due to pressure.

Summary

• Shakes Mashaba’s career spans decades as a star player, youth coach, national team leader, and mentor.
• He built success at every level — youth, senior, club, and national — often under difficult conditions.
• His outspoken character, tough leadership, and heart for development remain legendary in South African football.

Final Thoughts

Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba’s journey in football is a powerful testament to passion, resilience, and dedication.
While controversy often followed him, so did respect — for his knowledge, commitment to youth development, and uncompromising standards. His contributions to South African football go beyond trophies; they are measured in the lives he changed, the players he mentored, and the dreams he inspired.