Helman Mkhalele takes major step in meeting coaching requirements

The development will come as a relief to head coach Hugo Broos, who has publicly endorsed Mkhalele as his potential successor when he steps down in July next year but previously expressed concern over his assistant’s lack of top-tier coaching qualifications. 

Broos has already announced his intention to retire after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Americas to spend more time with his family in Belgium.

Mkhalele, who has been part of Broos’ technical team since May 2021, will now take a major step toward meeting the requirements to lead a national team. 

“The only problem is that he does not have the qualifications,” Broos had said during a media roundtable at SAFA House last month. 

“But you can avoid this if Helman follows the UEFA Pro License that you need to be a national team coach.”

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LeFA will host workshops for the CAF A Licence from 18 to 25 November, directly after the FIFA window. 

Mkhalele will be joined on the course by fellow former Bafana Bafana international and 1996 AFCON winner David Nyathi, as both look to enhance their coaching credentials.

Bafana are currently preparing to host Zambia in a friendly at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha as part of their final build-up to the Africa Cup of Nations, where they will face Angola, Egypt, and Zimbabwe in Group B.