SA Doctor Heading to the World Cup

Dr Thulani Ngwenya is heading to the World Cup. Gallo Images

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed that its Chief Medical Officer Dr Thulani Ngwenya will play a role during the FIFA U17 World Cup.

The junior global showpiece will be hosted by Qatar from 19 November to 13 December 2026.

Ngwenya will serve as Doping Control Officer and has expressed his gratitude to the Association.

“It is always a great honour and a privilege to be appointed to serve football at the highest level,” said Dr. Ngwenya, who was also at the senior FIFA World Cup some months ago.

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“I would like to sincerely thank the President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), Dr Danny Jordaan, and the entire SAFA leadership for their continued trust, confidence and support over the past 12 years.”

“I remain humbled by this opportunity and will continue to give my very best to represent the Association with distinction, integrity and pride.”

As per SAFA, Dr Ngwenya was based in Dallas in the United States of America from 7 June to 15 July 2026 during the FIFA World Cup, and the FIFA Anti-Doping Unit (FADU) assigned him under In and Out-of-Competition Anti-Doping Controls.

Widely Regarded Dr Ngwenya

“Dr Ngwenya is widely regarded as one of the world’s top officials in the field and often lends his vast experience to FIFA, the Olympics, CAF, COSAFA and many other tournaments on the globe,” added SAFA.

The vice president of the CAF Medical Commission also represented South Africa at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, amongst some of the highlights.

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