Coach David Notoane has confirmed that he is stepping down from role as SA U23 coach with immediate effect.
Notoane’s resignation came after SA’s U23 failed to qualify for the U23 AFCON that was going to be held in Morocco in June and July, with the top three in the tournament qualifying for the Olympic Games in France next year.
The former Santos coach said it was impossible to succeed because there was a lack of support from SAFA and the PSL.
SA U23 lost in the second round of the CAF U23 qualifiers on Monday, being beaten 1-1 on aggregate over two legs with Congo Brazzaville moving on based on away goals.
They were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Dobsonville Stadium on Thursday and to a goalless draw on Monday thus failing to qualify for the tournament.
“The lack of proper support off field when we started the process, for example, one late engagement with PSL to support the U23 program,” said Notoane in reading his resignation letter to Robert Marawa show on Wednesday night.
“Two, the need to monitor overseas players was met with dead action (from SAFA).
“The need for junior teams to be active is echoed, the Under 23 is a bridging project for Bafana Bafana, but it is treated like a development team.
“This team spent a long time inactive. We need to improve proper management of the team administratively. Unless this is corrected, Bafana will find itself relying on players with PSL or overseas experience.
“A pathway has to be proper for the future success of Bafana. I want to personally thank the president Dr Danny Jordaan and technical committee for the confidence I was given to lead the team again after the challenges of Tokyo 2020 (where U23 lost all group stages).
“Sorry if I happened to disappoint you. Thanks to the clubs and coaches who were there for me during the difficult and good times, much appreciated.
“We fought a good fight to qualify but fell short with some young and emerging players –Chauke, Shabalala, Adams – to name a few.
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“My technical report will be submitted in due course (to SAFA). This marks the end of my appointment which was until further notice for this campaign without any contractual obligations in period.”
