Mkhalele ‘eases’ Broos’ concerns over South Africa job

South Africa national team assistant coach Helman Mkhalele has indirectly eased his boss Hugo Broos’ concerns over coaching qualifications.

The Belgian has since arrival in Mzansi found the former Orlando Pirates legend a trusted lieutenant. The pair has effectively turned around the team’s fortunes.

Bafana Bafana recently confirmed their return to the big stage after thrashing Rwanda 3-0 in a decisive match to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

All credit goes to Broos and Mkhalele who have made the most of a largely home-based squad with Lyle Foster of Burnley FC being the only top player from a well-recognized club in Europe.

However, there have been concerns over what will become of the national team once Broos leaves the post. The former Cameroonian manager announced that he would leave his role after the World Cup finals.

The 74-year-old did not hesitate to anoint Mkhalele as his inevitable successor to ensure continuity.

“I think the best thing to do is for Helman to become the coach after me, because then you have a follow-up on the same thing,” Broos told the South Africa media. “When Helman takes the team, the way of work and the philosophy will be the same, with a little bit more African thing because I’m European. Helman 95% he thinks the same thing as me.”

How Mkhalele is adding another feather on his cap

However, the AFCON winning coach pointed out one disadvantage Mkhalele has for then demanding Bafana Bafana job. Broos expressed concern over his right-hand man’s limited coaching qualifications required for such a high-profile job.

Now, in what seems as a response, Mkhalele has enrolled for a CAF A-Licence coaching course in neighbouring Lesotho.

The Lesotho Football Association has confirmed that the Bafana Bafana number two is among 24 candidates for the course. Mkhalele will be joined by fellow South Africa legends Mpho Maleka and David Nyathi.

The former Moroka Swallows star Maleka currently manages Pretoria Callies while Nyathi is in charge of the South Africa under-17 side.

The Lesotho Football Association says the first block of the course is scheduled for November 18th to 25th at Bambatha Ts’ita Sports Arena.