South African government calls for help for ill former Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba

Gauteng Provincial MEC Lebohang Maile has called on the public to extend any form of help to the family of ailing former Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba.

Maile said he had visited Mashaba after learning that his health is deteriorating and that his finances are also in shambles to afford private healthcare.

"We felt that we should come visit coach Mashaba after learning that he was not well. Coach Mashaba is in high spirits and very positive and looking forward to fully recovering," Maile said in a statement.

"Those who know coach Mashaba will agree that he is generally a strong person and has demonstrated this throughout his career both as a player and coach.

"The coach is eager to recover and continue making his contribution to the country.

"Coach Mashaba has done a lot for our province and country and it's time for us to reciprocate during his moment of need. We therefore call on all corporates and the people of South Africa to help in any way possible to ensure that coach Mashaba receives support and recovers."