South African football coach fired

The coach of South Africa’s national team Ephraim Mashaba was fired on Thursday following a disciplinary hearing into his public outburst after a World Cup qualifier last month.

Reports claimed Mashaba had insulted the head of the country’s soccer federation after a 2-1 win against Senegal on Nov. 12.

At a hearing that took place over five days this month, Mashaba was found guilty of gross misconduct,insubordination and violation of the federation’s communications policy.

The coach had been accused of having an altercation with South Africa’s FA (SAFA) chief executive Dennis Mumble and also for insulting the media

South Africa has collected four points from its opening two games in qualification to lie in second place in Group D, behind Burkino Faso on goal difference. Only the first-place team qualifies.

SAFA says it will soon start the recruitment for a new head coach who is familiar with African football competition.