Former AmaZulu FC and Moroka Swallows striker Mpho Maleka has revealed how former Bafana Bafana assistant coach Helman Mkhalele helped shape his journey toward completing his CAF A Coaching Licence.

Maleka completed the final phase of his CAF A licence last weekend in Lesotho. The former Marumo Gallants coach travelled to Lesotho alongside Mkhalele to finish the coaching module.

Maleka is currently at the helm of SAFA Free State ABC Motsepe League outfit Free State United. In his coaching career, he also had stints with teams such as Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila [TTM], Leruma United, Pretoria Callies.

WHAT MPHO MALEKA SAID ABOUT HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH HELMAN MKHALELE

Speaking to FARPost, Maleka opened up about the impact of rubbing shoulders with seasoned football figures, noting that travelling and sharing ideas with Mkhalele gave him invaluable insights.

“For me, going with Helman was very uplifting and motivating, with a sense that I played alongside the late Isaac ‘Shakes’ Kungwane and Simon Makhubela. I also played with Jerry Sikhosana; I think it was their last year of professional football before they retired. I shared an apartment with the late John Moshoeu. My first license, which we were doing in Pretoria, had Helman as the guest. So, it was not for the first time,” Maleka told FARPost.

“However, for him, coming from the World Cup and travelling together with me, sharing ideas during the course was very helpful. I was lucky to have that moment. I was fortunate to receive information firsthand upon his arrival when he was at the World Cup. We discussed how Bafana was playing, what they were doing, and how they managed to reach that level of performance compared to what we had been taught during the course.

“It was very helpful. Thanks to him again for sharing those moments and the journey to AFCON and the FIFA World Cup. As I said, to coach at the highest level, you need to be well qualified. Being around the likes of coach Helman was truly a blessing, and I enjoyed the experience.”

‘I’M RELIEVED’: MALEKA ON SECURING TOP COACHING QUALIFICATION

Reflecting on the milestone, the former PSL striker admitted a sense of relief after putting in the work across various tiers of South African football to reach this point.

“I can finally say I’m relieved because this dream started when I hung up my boots and decided I wanted to become a coach, thanks to the advice of my former coaches and what they saw in me,” Maleka added.

“I went through all the levels of the SAFA structure, be it development schools, LFA, ABC Motsepe League, NFD, PSL, and CAF interclub competitions. That’s when I thought I had to empower myself.

“But the biggest motivation came when I was with Marumo Gallants after winning the Nedbank Cup and going to play in the Confederation Cup, where I was with coach Raymond Mdaka. That’s when I thought to myself that if I could coach at that level, what I needed to do was empower myself and obtain the necessary qualifications so that whenever doors opened, I wouldn’t have to worry about my qualifications. It shows that the ability is there, and I know how to put things into place.

“As I said before, the dream started then. Along the way, I received motivation from coaching Marumo Gallants, who gave me the opportunity. From ABC Motsepe to PSL, CAF interclub, and NFD, I’m proud to say I have coached at all levels. What was needed from me was to have the right papers so that there would never be an obstacle if I needed to coach anywhere in Africa or anywhere in the world if that chance arose.

“So, if there’s an opportunity around the world as a coach, you always put your bags at the taxi rank. Whenever an opportunity comes, you hit the road and go to work. I’m happy to say that I have finally achieved what I have always dreamed of. But all thanks to the people who raised their hands to help me whenever I asked for assistance regarding my qualifications.”