Former Bafana Bafana Team Manager Sipho Nkumane Dies at 56

Former Bafana Bafana Team Manager Sipho Nkumane Dies at 56

  • The South African football community is mourning the death of a former Bafana Bafana team manager who played an important role behind the scenes
  • News of Sipho Nkumane’s passing has prompted a response from SAFA, with tributes now emerging for the former national team official
  • Nkumane’s death comes as his family prepares to honour his life, with important details surrounding his final farewell now confirmed
Bafana Bafana team manager Sipho Nkumane has died
Former Bafana Bafana team manager Sipho Nkumane has died at 56. Image: safa.net
Source: UGC

Former Bafana Bafana team manager Sipho Nkumane has died at 56, and his family confirmed his passing on 19 August 2026. Nkumane died on Sunday, 16 August, after receiving treatment at a hospital in Sebokeng.

His brother, Fistoz Nkumane, confirmed his death to the South African Football Association (SAFA). Speaking about the loss, Fistoz said the family was struggling to come to terms with his death.

According to SAFA's official website, Nkumane said:

“He passed away in hospital in Sebokeng a few days ago. The family is devastated.”

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SAFA pays tribute to former Bafana manager

Nkumane was involved in South African football in several capacities during his career. Among his roles was serving as Bafana Bafana team manager. SAFA president Danny Jordaan described his death as a significant loss to both the association and the wider football community.

“Our sincere condolences to his family and we grieve his passing. May his soul rest in peace,” Jordaan said.

Nkumane is survived by three children.

Former Bafana Bafana team manager Sipho Nkumane has died at 56
Funeral arrangements for former Bafana Bafana team manager Sipho Nkumane. Image: safa.net
Source: UGC

Funeral arrangements confirmed

His family will hold a memorial service on Thursday, 20 August, followed by the funeral on Saturday, 22 August. His brother confirmed the dates, as the football community remembers Nkumane’s contribution to the national team and South African football.

Zolani Tete’s death shocks South African boxing

Briefly News previously reported on the death of former two-division world champion Zolani Tete, who was fatally shot in Mdantsane on Friday, 21 August 2026.

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The 38-year-old boxer had been preparing for a return to professional boxing after his four-year ban ended in July. His death has since sent shockwaves through the boxing community, with police investigating the shooting.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Dzikamai Matara avatar

Dzikamai Matara Dzikamai Matara is a sports writer at Briefly News. He previously worked as a news and current affairs editor at iHarare for eight years. Before that, he was a profiler, sports, human interest, entertainment, and current affairs writer at Pindula for two years, where he produced profiles and news articles. He completed two years of Mechanical Engineering coursework at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He has also completed YOAST SEO for Beginners (2023), YOAST Block Editor Training (2023), and YOAST Structured Data for Beginners (2023).