Helman Mkhalele: FIFA’s questionable move shows blatant disregard for Africa

This moves away from the norm of releasing players 14 days before the tournament kicks off, as has always been the policy for international tournaments under FIFA. The tournament will be played in Morocco from the 21st of this month until the 18th of next month. Mkhalele says this decision will definitely affect tournament preparations.

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"I would say it is totally unfair and unacceptable, because when you look at it - you start to make assumptions that maybe FIFA does not take African football too serious, as they do with Europeans. You start to feel less important compared to other leagues. That is why I say CAF needs to start making that point to FIFA, even now with AFCON being played in December, sometimes you start in January, and you have to go play the World Cup right after," said Mkhalele.

With most teams having planned to play international friendly matches at least from the 12th of this month, this decision could go a long way toward affecting those plans. 

"In actual fact, looking at the planning of CAF, playing the AFCON closer to the World Cup, I can say on one hand it is good on the other it brings more disadvantage to us. Especially, in this new FIFA format where you have 48 teams playing in different altitudes, so it really becomes difficult for Africa teams to plan. You also saw that FIFA has allowed clubs to release players on the 15th, I feel that this will also have a negative impact in preparation for the World Cup," added Mkhalele.

Fortunately for Bafana Bafana, the majority of their players are based at home, and this decision won’t affect them that much. But SABC Sport understands that, as one of the provisions in the FIFA circular, countries and clubs can negotiate the early release of players, and some of these talks have been fruitful.

Meanwhile, Mkhalele, a member of the 1996 AFCON winning team and also former national U20 assistant coach has also responded to coach Hugo Broos’ endorsement that he succeeds him, when his contract comes to an end next year.

"I am humbled by the coaches' sentiments. But then again with our relationship - respecting the principles of work, respecting each other and allowing me to be myself when it comes to adding suggestions. I appreciate his guidance and allowing me to participate in the planning sessions. I do aspire to be a head coach one day, not specially for Bafana, but for a team one day. His guidance will lead me to one day becoming a better coach and I am taking the lessons," he expressed.