Helman Mkhalele, the assistant coach of South Africa’s national football team, has taken decisive steps to address concerns about his qualifications ahead of a potential move to head coach. Mkhalele has been a trusted deputy to Hugo Broos, whose tenure has seen Bafana Bafana’s fortunes improve significantly, including a crucial victory over Rwanda in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
With Broos announcing plans to step down after the World Cup, speculation about his successor has intensified. Broos has publicly backed Mkhalele, highlighting the importance of continuity. The Belgian coach praised Mkhalele’s work, saying that the assistant coach shares his football philosophy, though with a more African perspective. However, Broos did raise concerns over Mkhalele’s coaching credentials, which could be a barrier to him taking over the top job.
To address these concerns, Mkhalele has enrolled in the CAF A-Licence coaching course in Lesotho. This program is a significant move to enhance his qualifications, especially given the high standards expected for national team managers. The course, which will run from November 18 to 25 at the Bambatha Ts’ita Sports Arena, has attracted other prominent South African football figures, including Mpho Maleka and David Nyathi. This proactive approach signals Mkhalele’s commitment to improving his credentials and his readiness for future leadership within South African football.
Mkhalele’s efforts to earn his CAF A-Licence reflect his desire to prepare for the day he may succeed Broos. His ongoing education will help him not only meet the necessary coaching qualifications but also ensure that Bafana Bafana can maintain its momentum under new leadership. With Broos’ endorsement and Mkhalele’s clear determination to strengthen his coaching credentials, the path is being paved for a smooth transition should the assistant coach take over as the next head of Bafana Bafana.
As the assistant coach prepares for his upcoming coaching course, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if Mkhalele’s proactive steps will lead to him becoming the next head coach of South Africa’s national team. His enrollment in the CAF A-Licence program is a clear signal that Mkhalele is committed to being fully prepared for the responsibility.
