Picture The CAF logo
By OBAKENG MAJE
The CAF Coaching Convention has re-admitted the South African Football Association (SAFA), paving the way for South Africa to host the CAF A License Coaching diploma from 13-20 November 2023. The prestigious course will be divided into four phases and requires a total of 200 hours of study.
SAFA Technical Director Walter Steenbok said, among the selected batch of coaches from 65 applications, a total of 25 participants can now look forward to earning their coveted CAF A badges by June 2024. Steenbok expressed his satisfaction about this turn of events and said they are extremely excited about the upcoming course.
“We believe that, the association has taken a big step forward by being back in the convention. CAF regulations stipulate that, head coaches must possess either a Pro or CAF A license before sitting on benches during continental competitions like the Champions League and the Confederations Cup, leading us towards empowering our local talented coaches.
“Earlier this year, we expressed that, our goal was to ensure that coaches are fully equipped for their duties. A significant achievement towards this objective is the re-introduction of the CAF A License, which is considered as a major accomplishment to SAFA’s Coach Education department,” he said.
Steenbok further said they anticipate that, more courses will be available for both male and female coaches by 2024. He added that, it has been six years since they conducted the CAF B and A course in South Africa, however, they have managed to get accreditation and satisfy the new manuals’ requirements of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
“The coaches listed below have been accepted into the course with success: Alliance Kubayi, Alex Zondi, Bilton Musonda, Boebie Solomons, Bongani Manzini, Carol Kanyemba, Dennis Makinka, Eric Tinkler, Gavin Hunt, Godfrey Sapula, Grand de Smidt, Jabulani Mendu, Kabelo Malapane, Lunga Ngwane, Marcus Mashilo, Monde Hlatshwayo, Nkosana Mabhena, Pogiso Makhoye, Sailor Tshabalala, Steve Barker, Tiro Van Rooyen, Tlisane Motaung, Thulani Mthimkulu, Wesley Segel and Zane Ryklief.
The Guardian 