Mhlongo travels over 1 000km to fulfil coaching license dream

Mhlongo is one of 25 coaches undergoing the CAF D License at Walter Sisulu University under the Mnquma Local Football Association (LFA). 

READ: Mark Williams urges SA to rally behind Bafana Bafana ahead of AFCON

CAF D License is the introductory coaching badge on the continent, and Mhlongo says it didn’t matter where he’s doing his badges...

"And when I spoke to Lux he said he had space. I was recommended by coach Thabo and he said to me but you must know that it is in Eastern Cape and I said I don't mind, he added that it's in December - I said even if it was January I don't mind. And they said it is in Butterworth, I then thought it would be nice to experience Butterworth because I have never been here before. I was also told that they will be using the res as accommodation, for me it is going back to basics. I was in boarding school for a while. So I'm excited for the experience, I am a part of this province now" said Mhlongo.

In Mnquma, Mhlongo, who also works with youth tournaments like the Engen Knockout Challenges, is in the same class as coaches from across the Eastern Cape and works across different divisions of football. From Mthatha, eQonce, Aliwal North, Gqeberha, Lusikisiki. He’s former Amajita head coach and SABC Sport analyst Thabo Senong for inspiring him to start this journey...

"When I spoke to Ta Lux, it was a thing of - look I want to pursue this.  This conversation started with coach Thabo Senong, he is one of my mentors in football, I told him that he inspires me and he encouraged me to pursue this journey. I believe when you stop learning you are dead. 

The thing about learning, sometimes get to a place and say you don't know anything even if you know a little bit, but just say you don't know. With that mindset you're able to learn and eventually go far in life," added Mhlongo.

The course is one of the main project-driven by Sekhukhune United team manager Luxolo Matikinca, who also runs a youth football tournament in the region, as he aims to revive the standard of football in the area. Matikinca days, having someone like Mhlongo in the same class, is motivating to other young coaches...

 "He's been a breath of fresh air because the other coaches can see that if a person of his calibre can come here - it means there's something positive. One of the coaches that did their D and C license with us is now working for the Chilli boys which is the feeder team to Chippa United. And one of the coaches that did the C license with us has also been hired as an assistant coach to the DDC.

“It means we are stepping towards the right direction and to continue providing education and provide a place where coaches can feed off information.  We are the base, and we also want to make a difference in South African football," said Matikinca.

Mhlongo, who played a leading role at Pirates after the passing of former Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa in 2014 and also led the team to a silver medal in the 2015 CAF Confederation Cup final, is talking about something that is lacking from former professional players sometimes, not relying on handouts and showing some hunger.

"I am very driven, I am very passionate. I push myself. When I was told it is going to be in Butterworth, I thought this reminds me of where I come from. I don't want to stop learning, I am football but also in broadcasting - but I don't stop learning. I make sure that I do my research for games. When I  got here I thought, "I know a lot - but believe me, you only know as far as you've traveled, age, maturity and according to the knowledge you acquire," he expressed.