Local coach completes his CAF A License Diploma Certificate

SEDIBENG.- Coach Thulani “Japan” Mthimkulu has completed his CAF A Licence Diploma, a prestigious coaching qualification in football, which he earned over the past seven months.

The programme concluded over the weekend. Mthimkulu, who is also the SAFA Sedibeng Technical Officer, was part of a cohort of 25 coaches, including former professional soccer players and notable PSL coaches such as Gavin Hunt, Eric Tinkler, Steve Barker, and Boebie Solomons, who is now a SAFA Instructor.

The CAF A Licence Diploma programme began in November 2023 and concluded on 4 June 2024. The course was divided into four phases, covering leadership and management, match and data analysis, football science, medical aspects, football theory, football dynamics, advanced laws of the game, internships with PSL clubs, coaching practicals, and assessments by top CAF technicians from Zambia.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, a delighted Mthimkulu reflected on the demanding yet rewarding seven months. He noted that despite the sleepless nights, the experience was invaluable. Mthimkulu is considered one of the local coaches with a promising future in South African football. Mthimkulu has been involved in the development structures of several teams, including Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport, and School of Excellence, among others. His extensive coaching knowledge is widely admired, and he is living his dream of becoming one of the top coaches not only in South Africa but also in Africa.

“It was a lifetime experience to be in the same classroom with some of those coaches, and it was an enriching experience for me. While I learned a lot from them, they also appreciated my football knowledge. They treated me like one of them, regardless of their status as PSL coaches, and showed much respect,” said Mthimkulu.

Meanwhile, Remember Elite Sports Academy (RESA) is one of the local football clubs that congratulated Mthimkulu on his achievement.