Five Ephraim 'Shakes' Mashaba quotes

South Africa's coach Ephraim Mashaba (right) gestures during a past match. PHOTO | CARL DE SOUZA |

JOHANNESBURG

Sacked South Africa coach Ephraim 'Shakes' Mashaba was never short of an opinion. AFP Sport selects five quotes from his many media conferences:

"The duty of the captain is to attend the coin toss and tell the players which side of the field they will be playing from" (Simplifying captaincy)

"The last time I saw Gambia play was two and a half years ago. I do not believe in this thing you journalists call 'spying'."
(His casual approach backfired as minnows Gambia surprisingly drew 0-0 with South Africa in Durban)

"I hate each and every member of the South African Football Association responsible for this decision. I hate them."
(Furious reaction to the inability of Safa to get some footballers released by clubs for national duty)

"Stop calling me arrogant. If you want to write things about me, clarify them, because you are giving the wrong impression to people."
(Mashaba on the warpath against his critics)

"I am not a quitter and that is why I bought the jacket I am wearing today. You thought I would come here as a grey-haired old man. Instead, I am young, well-dressed and fresh."
(Another Mashaba lecture to the media)