Former Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba is currently facing a serious health challenge after being diagnosed with prostate cancer and tuberculosis (TB).
The 75-year-old football figure is now receiving care at home while undergoing treatment and medical evaluation.
The dual diagnosis was confirmed after he was taken to Helen Joseph Hospital about three weeks ago, when his condition worsened and he was no longer coping independently.
Family Speaks Out on Diagnosis and Treatment Challenges
Mashaba’s daughter, Nonhlanhla Mashaba, has confirmed that her father is still in the early stages of managing his illnesses.
She explained that while TB treatment has already begun, doctors are still assessing the extent of the cancer before determining the next phase of care.
According to her, Mashaba is not yet on cancer medication, as medical teams are waiting to establish the stage of the disease.
His current treatment is focused primarily on stabilising the TB infection, which she said has significantly weakened him.
“He’s just dealing with the TB treatment right now, which is also taking a toll on him,” she said, adding that he is being supported at home by family members.
Financial Strain Forces Difficult Family Decisions
The family has also been hit hard financially, with Nonhlanhla revealing that mounting medical expenses have become overwhelming.
She disclosed that she was forced to sell her personal car in order to help cover costs associated with her father’s care.
Mashaba reportedly stopped his medical aid in 2023 due to affordability issues and has since relied on public healthcare services for treatment.
However, even with this support, the family continues to face outstanding medical balances.
They are currently dealing with approximately R100,000 in unpaid bills, including historical co-payments, consultations, and treatment shortfalls not covered in previous years.
Gaps in Healthcare Access Add to Daily Struggles
Nonhlanhla also highlighted ongoing challenges with access to medication and transport.
She explained that public healthcare facilities do not always provide all required medication, forcing the family to purchase additional drugs from private pharmacies.
Mobility has also become a serious issue, especially as the family currently does not have a vehicle, making hospital visits and medical errands difficult to manage.
Despite these hardships, the family recently received some relief after a donor provided a wheelchair for Mashaba, significantly improving his mobility at home.
Emotional Toll and Public Perception
Beyond the medical and financial burden, the family says they are also dealing with emotional strain and public speculation about Mashaba’s condition.
Nonhlanhla expressed frustration at assumptions made by outsiders, stressing that many do not understand the complexity of his situation.
She said it is painful to see judgments made without knowledge of the full circumstances, especially when someone is battling serious illness that affects even basic daily functioning.
Support From Fans and Football Community Grows
Since the family made a public appeal for help, they have received an outpouring of support from fans, former players, and football figures.
Nonhlanhla described the response as deeply encouraging during a difficult period.
She said several former colleagues and football legends have stepped forward to assist, though they are still awaiting official engagement from the South African Football Association (Safa).
The growing support has provided emotional relief and renewed hope for the family as they continue to navigate Mashaba’s recovery journey.
“He Is Still Fighting” — Family Remains Hopeful
Despite the severity of his condition, Mashaba’s daughter insists that his fighting spirit remains intact.
She described him as resilient, even though the illness has visibly affected his strength and energy levels.
“He sleeps a lot and his speech is a bit slow, but you can still have a conversation and laugh with him,” she said, adding that visits from well-wishers lift his spirits.
She remains optimistic that he will recover, stressing that the family is doing everything possible to ensure he is comfortable and supported.
“We love him and we are making him as comfortable as possible,” she said.
Government Visit and Call for Public Assistance
Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile visited Mashaba at his home on Monday to show support and wish him a speedy recovery.
Maile described Mashaba as being in good spirits despite his condition and encouraged continued public solidarity during his recovery process.
Members of the public wishing to assist financially have been provided with the family’s banking details to contribute toward ongoing medical costs.
