Dan Malesela returns to Africa School of Excellence in football development role

Dan Malesela has returned to the institution where he previously coached, taking up the role of Head of Football Development at the Africa School of Excellence under new owners Chippa Group.

The appointment was confirmed by Chippa Group in a statement released on Monday, following its purchase of the school in 2025. Malesela previously worked at the institution when it operated under the name Transnet School of Excellence.

His return gives him responsibility for helping to develop the next generation of football talent, a role that provides a new direction after his recent work in the professional game.

“Chippa Group is proud to announce three strategic leadership appointments that reinforce our commitment to excellence, talent development, and organisational growth.

“We welcome Dan “Dance” Malesela as Head of Football Development at the Africa School of Excellence, Tim Dlulane to lead our rugby ventures, and Morio Sanyane as Group Head of Communications and Stakeholder Relations.

“Together, they will play a key role in advancing the Group’s vision and shaping the future of sport, education, and community development.”

Malesela is one of three appointments announced by the group as part of its plans for sport, education and community development. Tim Dlulane has been selected to oversee the organisation’s rugby ventures, while Morio Sanyane will serve as Group Head of Communications and Stakeholder Relations.

The move marks Malesela’s return to an environment focused on youth development. His previous experience at the school means he is familiar with the institution, although he now returns with the organisation under different management and with Chippa Group as its owner.

Malesela was most recently head coach of Baroka FC. He held that position last season while the club was competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

He departed Baroka FC a few months into the 2025/26 season and has not occupied a bench in the PSL since leaving the club. His new position at the Africa School of Excellence therefore takes him away from the immediate demands of senior professional football and back into a development-focused role.

The appointment also allows him to continue working in an area that is not unfamiliar to him. His task will be to contribute to the growth of young players and assist in preparing future footballers through the school’s football programme.

For Chippa Group, Malesela’s return forms part of a wider leadership structure intended to support talent development and the organisation’s broader ambitions. The group said the three appointees would have an important role in shaping its work across sport, education and community initiatives.

Malesela will now begin his latest spell at the Africa School of Excellence as the institution continues its development under Chippa Group. His return comes after a period in club management that ended with his departure from Baroka FC during the 2025/26 campaign.