Helman Mkhalele moves to silence critics with CAF A License push

‘Midnight Express’ has faced growing scrutiny over his lack of formal qualifications for a coach at his level – criticism that has even come from head coach Hugo Broos. 

Speaking in Maseru ahead of the workshop, Mkhalele stressed the importance of upskilling himself and ensuring he meets the required standards before next month’s Africa Cup of Nations. 

"I would like to first thank LeFA, the Lesotho Football Association, for creating opportunity for me to be part of these students because it's not an easy thing, especially for a foreign coach to come and be provided with an opportunity to gain knowledge," said Mkhalele.

"Because while I'm here as a coach, it is important that, number one, you have the necessary skills and knowledge on how to develop players."

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Mkhalele insists the paperwork is secondary and what truly matters is improving his understanding of the game. 

"For me as a coach, I've also been working at a national team at senior level, so it is important that I have the right qualifications," he added.

"So I'm here to get a qualification, which is not the main objective. The main objective is to acquire knowledge and skill that I can apply in developing football."

The 1996 AFCON winner admits his previous courses were now outdated, leaving him behind in the modern game, and given he harbours ambitions of one day becoming a head coach, Mkhalele wants to be suitably qualified when the opportunity arises.

"I have aspirations to be a head coach one day, but the challenge is CAF have made rules that you can't lead a team if you do not have a CAF A Licence diploma.

"So, for me to able to fulfil my dream of leading a team one day, it is important to acquire this licence, even though the most important thing is to acquire the necessary knowledge and skill to have a positive and efficient contribution in the development of football," he concluded.