Mkhalele says Broos’ guidance key to his future coaching ambitions

Bafana Bafana assistant coach Helman Mkhalele says he considers himself a student of the game, and the lessons he has absorbed under head coach Hugo Broos will be invaluable as he works towards becoming a head coach in the future.

Working alongside Broos, Mkhalele is preparing for another historic chapter as South Africa begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign in less than two weeks, with their opening clash against Angola, where they will aim to build on their impressive third-place finish from the previous tournament.

With the 2026 Fifa World Cup also on the horizon, AFCON represents a crucial stepping stone for the national team. During this period, Broos and Mkhalele have developed a strong and effective partnership, one that remains steady even as the Belgian prepares to step down at the end of his contract next year.

The former Bafana midfielder says he has relished the opportunity to work under a coach of Broos’ calibre, and believes the knowledge he has gained will play a significant role in shaping his own coaching path.

Broos has repeatedly praised Mkhalele for his contribution to the team’s success and has publicly backed him as a suitable successor — sentiments the assistant coach says he deeply appreciates.

“I am humbled by what the coach said,” Mkhalele said.

“Beyond our roles as coaches, our working relationship and the mutual respect we share — in our principles, in how we operate, and in allowing me to be myself when making suggestions or contributing to decisions and training sessions — has really helped me grow.”

Mkhalele and Broos are also part of an exclusive group who have reached the World Cup both as players and now as members of a technical team. As he continues along that path, the Bafana assistant coach hopes his journey can inspire future generations.

“I am happy for this opportunity. The way I look at it, I am representing the older generation that never had this chance,” Mkhalele added.

“I am really excited, and my ultimate goal is to go out there and make sure we get good results, as those results are a reflection of the generation that I played with and those that came before us and laid the platform for me.

“I also believe that the current generation will be motivated to make sure that after their playing days they can get involved in football, either in coaching or administration.”

Although he has previously stated that the Bafana head coach role is not an immediate ambition, the former midfielder does aspire to take on leading coaching roles in the future. He believes the experience he is gaining now will serve as a strong foundation.

“I do aspire to be a coach, but at this present moment not speciafically for Bafana Bafana, but to be the head coach one day and with this experience and the knowledge I have gained through him, It has made me a better person and coach.

“At the end of the day I wouldn’t say yes or no interms of coaching the team but we all have to respect the processes because when the coaches time comes when he will stop coaching, then SAFA has to make the determination of which direction they want to take.”