Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
SIMBA Bhora assistant coach Philani Mabhena has dismissed speculation that he has secured a coaching job in Botswana, clarifying that he is in the neighbouring country solely to attend a Confederation of African Football (CAF) A Licence coaching course.
The former Highlanders coach was forced to address the rumours after photographs of him wearing Botswana Football Association attire and standing in front of the association’s backdrop circulated on social media, prompting congratulatory messages from football fans.
“I am still with Simba Bhora. I am in Botswana attending a CAF A course. Right now, I am rushing to a class,” said Mabhena.
Mabhena joined reigning Premiership champions Simba Bhora at the beginning of the year as assistant to Mandla “Coach Omkhulu” Mpofu.
Before his move to Simba Bhora, he guided Eagle Life’s successful campaign for promotion to the Zifa Southern Region Division One League at the end of the 2024 season.
A teacher by profession, Mabhena boasts vast coaching experience, having worked with several clubs including Highlanders, Chicken Inn and How Mine, while also enjoying coaching stints in Botswana.
The CAF A Licence remains one of the highest coaching qualifications on the continent and has increasingly become a requirement for coaches seeking top-flight appointments.
In recent years, a number of Zimbabwean coaches have travelled to countries such as Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia to undertake CAF coaching courses as national associations continue to raise coaching standards.
Football authorities now insist that head coaches in the Premier Soccer League possess CAF A qualifications, making the programme an important stepping stone for coaches aiming to advance their careers.
