Speculation ran rampant last week as several media outlets reported that AmaZulu coach Benni McCarthy is set to be announced as the new senior national team head coach.

The Bafana job has been vacant since SAFA sacked Molefi Ntseki at the end of March following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Carlos Queiroz was initially expected to be announced before the association postponed the unveiling, allegedly due to an impasse in negotiations with the Mozambique-born tactician.

However, McCarthy has now reportedly emerged as favourite for the job, along with assistants Siyabonga Nomvethe and Moeneeb Josephs, given his incredible run with Usuthu, while SAFA have come out to quash the unsettling rumours.

“We have noted that various publications over the last week have reported the appointment of new Bafana Bafana coach as having been concluded,” read a statement on SAFA.net.

“Firstly, it was Carlos Queiroz then Pitso Mosimane and most recently AmaZulu coach Benni McCarthy.

“SAFA has always stated that the Technical Committee will submit their final recommendations to the SAFA NEC, the highest decision-making body, which will finally make the announcement once the process is concluded.

“We note that the Benni McCarthy’s name comes at a time when AmaZulu are top of the log standings and it might appear that SAFA wants to derail the club’s good run.

“We are happy with AmaZulu’s current good run but SAFA will announce the new incoming coach once the issue is dealt with by the NEC.”