EMALAHLENI – Twenty-two (22) local coaches have officially qualified as CAF-certified licence holders after completing a CAF B Licence course, courtesy of the South African Football Association (SAFA) Nkangala and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The graduation ceremony took place on Wednesday, April 9, at Witbank High School in eMalahleni.
The coaches were awarded certificates, marking a significant milestone in their coaching careers. The qualification process began with a five-month course conducted in three phases, starting in December last year and continuing in February, March, and April this year.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan emphasised the importance of having qualified coaches within South African football.
“If you have qualified coaches, it means that the coach understands what is required and sets his plan accordingly,” he told Highveld Chronicle in an interview.
Jordaan also expressed satisfaction with the progress made in coach education, noting that previously the Association did not have enough qualified coaches across the country.
“And so we have accelerated the coach education,” he added. “I’m very happy that today, we have coaches who came and did the course, and walked away with a certificate and a smile on their face.”
Jordaan’s right-hand man, Linda Zwane, expressed confidence in the newly certified coaches, saying they would now be able to coach with minimal supervision, as many were already coaching at high levels.
One of the graduates, Samuel Leboko, thanked SAFA for the opportunity to pursue the CAF B Licence.
“The course went well. I’m very grateful for the opportunity given to us by our Association,” he said.
CAF Instructor Konti Khubheka also commended the course for its “very high standards and success.” As senior instructor, Khubheka was responsible for training the B Licence candidates in Nkangala.
SAFA Coach Education Manager Keneilwe Mathibela explained her role in overseeing coaching courses, programmes, and ensuring curriculum alignment with CAF standards.
“My role within the association is to oversee coaching courses, the programmes, the curriculum, and to ensure alignment with what the CAF convention requires,” she stated.
