Mkhalele takes big step to succeed Broos as Bafana coach

Helman Mkhalele is positioning himself as a strong candidate to take over the reins of Bafana Bafana, with confirmation from the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) that he will enroll in a CAF A Licence course in Maseru immediately after the current FIFA international break.

This development marks a significant milestone for Mkhalele, who has served as assistant coach under Hugo Broos since May 2021.

Broos has publicly endorsed Mkhalele as his preferred successor when he steps down in July next year, but has also voiced concerns about his assistant’s lack of top-tier coaching credentials.

“The only problem is that he does not have the qualifications,” Broos said during a media roundtable at SAFA House last month.

 “But you can avoid this if Helman follows the UEFA Pro License that you need to be a national team coach.”

Broos, who plans to retire after the 2026 FIFA World Cup to spend more time with his family in Belgium, has made it clear that Mkhalele’s future hinges on acquiring the necessary certifications to lead a national team.

LeFA will host the CAF A Licence workshops from 18 to 25 November, directly after the FIFA window.

Mkhalele will be joined by fellow former Bafana Bafana international and 1996 AFCON winner David Nyathi, as both aim to elevate their coaching credentials.