Mhlongo warns SAFA against forcing Mkhalele into Mosimane’s Bafana staff

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Benson Mhlongo has warned the South African Football Association (SAFA) that insisting on Helman Mkhalele’s appointment to Pitso Mosimane’s technical team could cause serious tension within the national side.

Mosimane was formally unveiled as Bafana Bafana’s new head coach at a press conference held by SAFA on Tuesday. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly manager has already made it clear that he does not intend to retain Mkhalele, who served as Hugo Broos’ right-hand man.

Mosimane is instead searching for a new assistant coach as he begins his second spell in charge of the South African national team.

Mhlongo believes the decision over Mosimane’s backroom staff must belong to the head coach and not be dictated by the association.

“Forcing or trying to convince the national team coach to appoint a certain assistant coach won’t work; it will only create huge misunderstandings in the national team,” says Mhlongo, sharing his thoughts withKickOff.

The former Bafana Bafana player said any dispute over Mkhalele’s position could have consequences beyond the coaching staff and eventually affect the squad.

“We don’t need frictions or misunderstandings in our national team. It will surely affect the players. Even coach Helman, he won’t work well there, knowing his inclusion in the technical team was not approved by the coach.

“If Helman is still at SAFA, he can go to the Under-23 national team. But to force him on the new Bafana Bafana coach, that would be a problem,” he adds.

Mkhalele’s future with the national set-up has become a key issue following Mosimane’s appointment. While the former assistant worked alongside Broos, Mosimane has indicated that he wants to choose his own staff as he prepares to lead Bafana Bafana again.

Mhlongo’s comments come as attention turns to Mosimane’s first competitive fixtures in the role. His opening assignment will be an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea on 23 September.

Bafana Bafana will then face Eritrea four days later in another qualifying match.

The two fixtures will provide Mosimane with his first opportunity to put his plans into practice since returning as national team coach, while the process of finalising his technical team continues.