SAFA preparing to roll out first-ever CAF Pro License in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2026

This is a landmark move that would make South Africa the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to stage the highest level of CAF coaching education.

The plans were confirmed by SAFA Acting Head of Coaching Education, Keneilwe “Maestro” Mathibela.

Until now, CAF Pro Licence courses have only been conducted in North African countries such as Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt.

Mathibela details the processes they need to follow for this Pro License coaching course.

"The requirement from CAF is that we have a refresher course for people who obtained a CAF A-license before. This is so that they may qualify for the CAF Pro-License.

"We are just trying to realign ourselves according to the current curriculum." 

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Mathibela, who left SAFA in April to join FIFA’s regional office in Africa, continues to assist the association in her previous portfolio to ensure continuity in the coaching education department and the smooth rollout of current programmes.

Speaking to SABC Sport on the sidelines of the ongoing CAF A Licence course in Bethlehem in the Free State, Mathibela explains how she’s working with SAFA currently.

"Well, I've officially left, although I never really left. FIFA understands the crucial position I played within SAFA, so they want to ensure that there is a smooth handover.

"I'm more like a supporting advisor to the association."

The CAF A Licence course in Bethlehem is the second of its kind since South Africa’s reinstatement into CAF’s coaching convention structure, which allows the country to issue recognised continental qualifications once again.

Mathibela details what the first two phases have been all about.

"The last time we had these courses was in 2014/2015. We have 25 candidates, most representing the PSL, NFD, and the Hollywoodbets Women's Super League.

Among the participants are Polokwane City head coach Phuti Mohafe and former Chippa United coach Sinethemba Badela, both continuing their professional development through the CAF coaching pathway.

Mohafe has been coaching at the elite level in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for at least two seasons now and is grateful for this opportunity.

Badela had also started the season as one of the youngest coaches in the league, he also has a few years of experience coaching in the country and in the Moroccan Botola Pro League.

The 35-year-old says he’s learning a lot from this course...