Moeneeb Josephs: Meet former Bafana Bafana star set to be Harambee Stars goalkeeping coach

Moeneeb Josephs

Moeneeb Josephs: Meet former Bafana Bafana star set to be Harambee Stars goalkeeping coach

Festus Chuma 18:00 - 28.02.2025

Moeneeb Josephs is set for a new coaching role, reuniting with a former teammate in a move that could impact Kenyan football.

South Africa football legend Moeneeb Josephs is set to embark on a new chapter in his coaching career as reports suggest he is in line to become the new goalkeeping coach for the Harambee Stars.

The former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates shot-stopper is expected to reunite with his former teammate Benni McCarthy, with whom he previously worked at AmaZulu FC.

Josephs, who was born on 19 May 1980 in Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town, enjoyed a long and distinguished playing career. He began his professional journey at the age of 17 with Cape Town Spurs in 1997 before moving to Ajax Cape Town, where he spent seven years honing his craft. 

His performances earned him a move to Gauteng in 2006, where he played for Bidvest Wits for two years before making a high-profile switch to Orlando Pirates for a record-breaking fee.

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During his time at Orlando Pirates, Josephs became one of South Africa’s most recognizable goalkeepers. 

His agility, shot-stopping ability, and leadership at the back helped his club achieve success, and his performances did not go unnoticed at the international level. 

Josephs earned a call-up to the South African national team and was selected as the first-choice goalkeeper for the 2008 African Cup of Nations following an injury to Rowen Fernandez.

Despite missing out on the final squad for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, Josephs was included in the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad on home soil.

While Itumeleng Khune was the first-choice keeper, Josephs was called into action on 16 June 2010 as a 79th-minute substitute for Steven Pienaar after Khune was sent off against Uruguay. 

He was unable to prevent Diego Forlán’s penalty, and Bafana Bafana eventually lost the match 3–0.

 However, Josephs got a full game in South Africa’s final group match against France, where they secured a historic 2–1 victory, though it was not enough to progress to the knockout rounds.

On 24 May 2012, Josephs announced his retirement from international football, seemingly bringing an end to his national team journey. However, he was recalled two years later by Gordon Igesund for the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) hosted in South Africa. 

His last game in Bafana colors was in a 3–1 defeat to Nigeria in the final group stage match, where he was heavily criticized by then-Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula, who infamously referred to the team as "weak, useless, and a bunch of losers."

Despite the criticism, Josephs remained a respected figure in South African football, and he transitioned into coaching after retiring from professional play.

He reunited with Benni McCarthy at AmaZulu FC, where he worked as a goalkeeper coach. 

Their strong working relationship and shared understanding of the game have now reportedly led to McCarthy seeking to bring Josephs on board at Harambee Stars.

Should the appointment be confirmed, Josephs will bring a wealth of experience to Kenya’s national team, particularly in nurturing and developing goalkeepers at the international level. 

His time as a player and coach has provided him with invaluable insights into modern goalkeeping techniques, and he is expected to play a key role in strengthening Kenya’s goalkeeping department.

Josephs' anticipated move to Harambee Stars signals a new direction for Kenya’s national team setup, and fans will be eager to see how his expertise translates into improved performances between the posts.

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