Mamelodi Sundowns’ Rulani Mokwena Could Assist Hugo Broos at AFCON Amid Coaching Badge Concerns
Potential Assistance from Mokwena:
Reports suggest that Mamelodi Sundowns’ head coach, Rulani Mokwena, may step in to assist Hugo Broos at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) next year.
This development comes in light of concerns about the eligibility of Bafana Bafana’s assistant coach, Helman Mkhalele, due to a lack of required coaching badges.
Badge Requirements for AFCON:
Helman Mkhalele, a former Bafana Bafana midfielder, currently holds only a SAFA Level 1 coaching badge.
However, CAF (Confederation of African Football) regulations stipulate that coaches on the bench during CAF inter-club competitions must possess CAF A or CAF Pro Licences.
Assistants are required to have at least a CAF B Licence, with only Pro Licences from UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF accepted from outside the African continent.
Concerns Over Mkhalele’s Eligibility:
Given Mkhalele’s coaching badge limitation, there is uncertainty about his eligibility to sit on the bench during AFCON.
If he is deemed ineligible, head coach Hugo Broos might consider bringing in Rulani Mokwena as an alternative.
Sensible Choice with Sundowns Players:
Considering that Bafana Bafana’s AFCON squad is expected to include at least 10 players from Sundowns, the potential inclusion of Mokwena as an assistant coach makes practical sense.
Mokwena’s familiarity with the Sundowns players could contribute to a smoother integration into the coaching staff.
Conclusion
The uncertainty surrounding Helman Mkhalele’s coaching badges adds a layer of complexity to Bafana Bafana’s coaching staff preparation for AFCON.
The possibility of Rulani Mokwena stepping in brings both a solution to the immediate concern and a strategic advantage, given his existing association with Sundowns players.
This situation highlights the importance of coaching qualifications in international competitions and the need for foresight in assembling coaching teams.
As AFCON approaches, the final coaching lineup will undoubtedly influence Bafana Bafana’s performance on the continental stage.
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