Safa has rolled out CAF A coaching licence courses for the first time in five years, which saw aspiring coaches joining.

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As a result, the coaching sessions were hosted at the Germiston Stadium with former professional soccer players on November 23.

Kenneth Conti Kubheka, a CAF coach instructor, led the sessions.

“We have high-profile players coming to the sessions such as David Mathebula, already at the Kaizer Chiefs development,” said Kubheka.

“Royal AM head coach Khabonina Zondo was out of the coaching space for some time. He joined us to take a refresher course,” said Kubheka.

Simon Ngomane, a CAF coach instructor, said the rules stipulate that head coaches in inter-club competitions must hold a CAF A licence. This is the highest qualification recognised by the continental governing body for clubs.

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“For assistant coaches, the minimum requirement to sit on the bench is a B licence. A Uefa pro licence is required for coaches who are not from the continent,” said Ngomane.

“It is a standard requirement that all coaches who seats in our benches must be qualified.

“There is a serious drive in the continent to get all coaches qualified,” he said.

“It is advised that all coaches must go through preliminary courses and at least obtain a licence D qualification.

“As they progress in their careers they will go for higher licences.

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“The A licence already qualifies you to coach at the Premier Soccer League (PSL). It is the vision of the continent that all coaches get the highest licence on the field.

“The courses continue to uplift upcoming and current employed coaches.

“We encourage all future coaches to start with these courses and those who are already coaching without a qualification must get their training and qualifications,” said Ngomane.

“People are urged to register at their regional SAFA offices. We need to have qualified coaches working on the local level in the community and the schools.

“This programme is open for everyone interested in becoming a coach, as a qualified coach will know how to handle talent,” said Ngomane.

Royal AM head coach Khabonina Zondo said he had to align himself with the CAF coaching system.

“I have SAFA levels but not CAF. I have done SAFA pro licencing, which is four steps higher than what we are doing here. But I had to take a refresher course.

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“I would like to thank instructor Conti. He has encouraged me to take this course.

“Our club leader Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize has also encouraged me to learn more for self-enrichment and club benefit,” said Zondo.

“You need to be qualified and properly aligned with the CAF coaching system because the game has evolved over the years. I also encourage other coaches to take this course.

“There are a lot of defensive elements that applied in today’s game. The rules are interpreted differently as well. It’s a must as a country to acknowledge the changes and new talent coming to the field.”