South Africa’s coaching exodus raises questions over PSL ambition, says Teko Modise

South African coaches are increasingly finding major opportunities elsewhere in Africa, but Teko Modise believes their departure should concern the Premier Soccer League rather than be celebrated.

The former South Africa international was speaking on episode nine of the Carwash podcast, hosted by Delmain Faver. Modise appeared alongside analysts Linda Mntambo and Brighton Mhlongo, with player-turned-coach Darian Wilken joining as a special guest.

The panel discussed the growing number of Mzansi coaches who have moved beyond the PSL and South Africa’s national-team structures to continue their careers.

Pitso Mosimane, Rhulani Mokoena, Manqoba Mngqithi, Steve Barker, Morena Ramoreboli and Eric Tinkler are among those who have had to look outside the country for significant managerial roles. Wilken has also recently returned from a second spell in charge of Raja Casablanca.

Mhlongo suggested that the work done in South Africa is not always properly recognised elsewhere on the continent. Modise, however, said he did not regard the movement of coaching talent abroad as a positive development.

“Besides the dollars, the bottom line, I don’t think it’s a good thing,” he said.

Modise accepted that coaches should be able to pursue major opportunities, but argued that the willingness to leave the PSL exposed a deeper problem within the domestic game.

“If Africa can say we’ve got the best coaches, why aren’t we able to keep our best coaches to improve our local game?”

The discussion then turned to the expectations placed on clubs in South Africa. The panel questioned whether some teams have become satisfied with their league position instead of setting their sights on meaningful success.

Modise referred to clubs that appear content with mid-table finishes rather than challenging Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Wilken contrasted that approach with the experience of players and coaches in North Africa. In countries such as Egypt and Morocco, he said, clubs are expected to compete for the league title, with no equivalent emphasis on finishing in the top three or top eight.

Mhlongo said the situation could also reflect a lack of confidence in local coaches. Managers may not receive enough backing or time to build teams capable of challenging at the top of the PSL and competing successfully on the continent.

Even Mosimane faced pressure during the early part of his tenure at Sundowns, when supporters called for him to be dismissed.

The panel also compared South Africa’s tendency to make quick changes with the approach of leading European clubs. At those teams, managers are generally expected to work with and adapt to an established player culture rather than shape every aspect of the environment around their own preferences.

The departure of South African coaches is not automatically a problem, the panel concluded. But it highlights the failure of domestic clubs to show sufficient patience and establish a clear identity before the next Mosimane is allowed to leave.