Official: SAFA Part Ways With Technical Director Steenbok Amid Controversy

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has officially parted ways with its technical director, Walter Steenbok, whose tenure had become a source of significant embarrassment for the association.

Steenbok had previously submitted his resignation to SAFA, which was subsequently accepted. Following a standard one-month notice period, SAFA has now advertised the vacant position, with the job posting released by the association on Wednesday night.

Filling the Technical Director (TD) position is a matter of urgency for SAFA, as the association is reportedly unable to access crucial FIFA development funding without the TD’s signature.

In the document released, SAFA outlined that the Technical Director role will be a four-year fixed-term contract.

“The Technical Director is required to define and lead the National Technical Programme under the authority of the South African Football Association (SAFA) and in compliance with the aims, objectives and values of the Association,” the document stated.

The minimum requirements for the position include:

• Minimum of a CAF A License holder
• A university degree or a three-year diploma
• Minimum of three years of experience working with youth and at the highest level of football
• Minimum of three years’ experience as a Coach, Technical Director, or Sport Manager.

Steenbok’s departure from SAFA comes as no surprise to many within the association. Sources within SAFA had previously spoken to Sportswire, describing Steenbok as reckless and prone to making hasty decisions without proper consideration.

Furthermore, it is alleged that Steenbok was in a relationship with a SAFA employee who has since been suspended by the association. Sportswire has withheld the individual’s name due to potential legal ramifications.

While Steenbok has been credited with the revival of CAF coaching courses, such as the A and B licenses, numerous coaches in the Motsepe Foundation Championship reportedly informed Sportswire of alleged kickbacks he received for their enrollment in these courses.

Steenbok, who has previously worked for both Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, was also involved in a heated email exchange with SAFA NEC member David Molantwa in February of last year. In these emails, of which Sportswire has obtained copies, Steenbok allegedly used offensive language towards Molantwa, with SAFA president Danny Jordaan and CEO Lydia Monyepao also included in the correspondence.

The email dispute arose after Steenbok called an urgent meeting in February. Molantwa raised concerns about the short notice, pointing out that several SAFA members are employed elsewhere and had to request urgent leave to attend the meeting scheduled at SAFA House. Additionally, members residing outside of Gauteng would incur personal travel expenses, further escalating the disagreement between the two individuals.