Shiko Mokaila appointed South Africa men’s netball head coach

Former South Africa Men’s National Netball team captain Shiko Mokaila has been appointed head coach of the national side on a four-year contract.

Mokaila succeeds Jabulani Vilane, who led the team during the Africa Netball Cup in December. Mokaila will be assisted by Siyabonga Khuzwayo.

“I am extremely happy and, at the same time, deeply humbled. I am very passionate about men’s netball, and it is an honour to lead a team that has given me so much,” said Mokaila.

“I am committed to giving my all — to compete, to challenge for top honours, and to win. A great deal of solid work has already been done, and my role is to continue building on the foundation laid by those who came before me.”

Mokaila retired from professional play in 2023 following the Africa Netball Cup in Botswana, ending a distinguished 15-year career at the highest level.

His first assignment as the head coach will be leading the national side against the Australian Kelpies in a three-match curtain-raiser series.

The series will take place during the SPAR Challenge at the Ellis Park Indoor Arena, where the SPAR Proteas are set to face the Vitality Roses.

Netball South Africa President Mami Diale expressed confidence in the appointment, citing Mokaila's extensive experience across multiple facets of the sport.

“Finding the right person to lead our men’s national team from a coaching perspective was not an easy task. However, we believe we have found the right person in Shiko. He is an all-rounder and has what it takes to move the team forward,” said Diale.

Diale noted that Mokaila’s history as a player, captain, administrator, and coach at both junior and senior levels, including the National Male Championships, has prepared him for the role.

“As men’s netball continues to grow in the country, on the continent, and globally, we felt it was appropriate to appoint a coach of Mokaila’s calibre, especially as we build towards our first-ever Men’s Netball World Cup in 2028,” Diale added.

The country men’s national squad will assemble this week for trials. A final 15-man squad will be announced prior to the series later this month.

Diale concluded by acknowledging the outgoing leadership: “We would like to thank coach Jabulani Vilane and his entire management team for the excellent work they have done with the team over the past years, and we wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.”