Shakes Mashaba in Good Spirits After Hospital Visit from Gauteng Premier
Former Bafana Bafana head coach Shakes Mashaba expressed gratitude and joy following a visit from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi at Johannesburg’s Helen Joseph Hospital, where he is receiving treatment for a suspected bladder infection.
Mashaba's family had previously voiced their disappointment regarding the lack of medical attention he received after being admitted on January 27. According to a family spokesperson, Mashaba's condition was serious, with a swollen tongue that obstructed his airways. They noted that the care at the public hospital faced challenges, and he had not seen a doctor for a day or two.
After the situation gained public attention, Premier Lesufi decided to visit Mashaba. He stated that he felt compelled to ensure the well-being of a national icon who had entrusted his care to the government. Lesufi expressed his satisfaction with the hospital's handling of Mashaba's case and noted that the former coach was in a positive mood and appreciated the visit. He mentioned that Mashaba felt touched by the gesture, emphasizing the importance of national icons in promoting the government's work.
Lesufi highlighted that the treatment provided to Mashaba, valued at over R100,000, was offered free of charge, underscoring that this level of care is extended to all citizens, not just high-profile individuals.
In the 1970s, Mashaba played for Orlando Pirates and later for Moroka Swallows, a club that Lesufi supported and eventually owned. He served as head coach of Bafana Bafana from 2002 to 2004 and again from 2014 to 2016. His last position in football was with Witbank Aces, and he has not been involved in the sport since leaving the club in 2019.
Mashaba's family had previously voiced their disappointment regarding the lack of medical attention he received after being admitted on January 27. According to a family spokesperson, Mashaba's condition was serious, with a swollen tongue that obstructed his airways. They noted that the care at the public hospital faced challenges, and he had not seen a doctor for a day or two.
After the situation gained public attention, Premier Lesufi decided to visit Mashaba. He stated that he felt compelled to ensure the well-being of a national icon who had entrusted his care to the government. Lesufi expressed his satisfaction with the hospital's handling of Mashaba's case and noted that the former coach was in a positive mood and appreciated the visit. He mentioned that Mashaba felt touched by the gesture, emphasizing the importance of national icons in promoting the government's work.
Lesufi highlighted that the treatment provided to Mashaba, valued at over R100,000, was offered free of charge, underscoring that this level of care is extended to all citizens, not just high-profile individuals.
In the 1970s, Mashaba played for Orlando Pirates and later for Moroka Swallows, a club that Lesufi supported and eventually owned. He served as head coach of Bafana Bafana from 2002 to 2004 and again from 2014 to 2016. His last position in football was with Witbank Aces, and he has not been involved in the sport since leaving the club in 2019.
