Former Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba’s health has reportedly deteriorated further, with a source close to the football legend revealing that he is now wheelchair-bound and experiencing severe pain as he continues to battle prostate cancer and tuberculosis (TB).
The latest development comes months after Mashaba’s family publicly appealed for financial and medical assistance, saying they were struggling to meet the costs associated with his treatment and care.
“His illness has become worse, he is now unable to walk and in severe pain,” the source said.
The source added that the 75-year-old former national team coach remains in desperate need of medical attention.
“The family has received donations from some people, but he still needs help. Things have become worse,” the source said.
Mashaba’s health battle
Mashaba’s family first made the public appeal in June after revealing the extent of his deteriorating health.
His daughter, Nonhlanhla Mashaba, said that her father had been diagnosed with prostate cancer at Helen Joseph Hospital after his condition became too difficult to manage at home.
At the time, she said he was also undergoing treatment for TB.
According to the reports, Mashaba had been dealing with serious health problems for almost two years. His medical difficulties reportedly began with bladder problems that eventually required him to use a catheter.
His family said he later developed a persistent cough and was diagnosed with TB towards the end of 2025.
The prostate cancer diagnosis followed in 2026, with the family awaiting further medical assessment to establish the stage of the cancer.
Nonhlanhla told TimesLIVE that her father was not yet receiving cancer medication because the family was waiting for further medical assessment.
The financial pressure
The family has also been battling the financial consequences of Mashaba’s illness.
Mashaba had cancelled his medical aid in 2023 because he could no longer afford the premiums. As a result, the family has had to rely heavily on the public healthcare system while also paying privately for medication and other medical expenses when necessary.
The family previously said it was facing approximately R100,000 in outstanding medical-related costs, including historical medical aid shortfalls and doctors’ bills.
Nonhlanhla also revealed that she had sold her car to help meet the family’s financial obligations.
In June, one of the family’s immediate concerns was Mashaba’s mobility. The family appealed for a wheelchair, among other items and assistance. A donor subsequently provided one, allowing the football legend to move out of his bedroom.
The latest account from a source close to the family suggests that his condition has since deteriorated to the point where he is now unable to walk.
Donations have provided some relief
There have been efforts to support Mashaba since his family’s appeal became public.
Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile visited Mashaba at his home in June and said the family had given permission for a public appeal for donations.
“The family has given us permission to help them appeal for support from members of the public for donations that will contribute to ensuring that he gets the necessary medical care,” Maile said.
Former ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba also visited the football legend in July and pledged R200,000 towards his recovery.
He said the visit gave him a clearer understanding of the extent of Mashaba’s condition and the resources required to support him.
“I felt it was necessary that we help the little we can,” Herman Mashaba said.
However, despite donations and other assistance, the latest source says the family’s financial and medical difficulties have not been resolved.
A career dedicated to South African football
Mashaba is one of the country’s most recognisable football coaches, with a career spanning playing, coaching and youth development.
He coached Bafana Bafana during two periods, including from 2002 to 2004 and again from 2014 until 2016.
He was particularly associated with developing young South African footballers and was involved with both national youth and senior teams.
The Gauteng provincial government described his contribution to South African football as “well documented”, highlighting his work with national teams and his broader contribution to the sport.
His health struggles have therefore resonated beyond his immediate family, prompting former football administrators, government officials and members of the football community to rally around him.
In June, Daily Sun reported that former SAFA chief executive Dennis Mumble said Mashaba was in poor health and needed assistance, while Dr Ria Ledwaba of the South African Gallery of Legends said she was concerned after visiting him.
The appeal continues
While the family has received donations and support since the initial appeal, the latest update indicates that Mashaba’s needs have become more urgent as his condition has deteriorated.
The family is still seeking assistance with medical care and the day-to-day costs associated with looking after the former Bafana Bafana coach.
For a football figure who spent decades contributing to the development of the game in South Africa, the family’s appeal has renewed calls for continued support as Mashaba faces what his loved ones describe as an increasingly difficult health battle.
