Black Leopards assistant coach Abel Makhubela
By: Refilwe Sebola
Abel Makhubela, assistant coach of National First Division side Black Leopards, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Raymond Mdaka, head coach of South Africa’s U20 national team, following their historic victory at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
Makhubela, one of the most qualified coaches in the country with a CAF A License, SAFA Pro License, and a German B license praised Mdaka for his “sterling performance” that brought pride to the nation. “Congratulations to Coach Mdaka. He has made us proud as a country. He represented local coaches exceptionally well and proved that, when trusted, qualified local coaches can deliver outstanding results,” stated Makhubela.
Currently working alongside head coach Joel Mongalo at Black Leopards, Makhubela played a key role in helping the club narrowly secure a spot in the Premier Soccer League playoffs after they took over mid-season.
Reflecting on Mdaka’s achievement, Makhubela remarked, “This is a remarkable milestone achieved against all odds. Despite the challenges, the team demonstrated that South Africa is not only capable but among the best on the continent—if not the world. South African football is on the path to reclaiming its status.”
Makhubela, who once attended an optional SAFA coaching instructor course in Johannesburg alongside Mdaka, believes the recent successes of various national teams signal a positive shift in the country’s football landscape.
“The U20 AFCON victory, the U17 team qualifying for the World Cup, Banyana Banyana qualifying for AFCON, and Bafana Bafana being on the brink of World Cup qualification all indicate a resurgence. South African football is definitely on the rise again,” he concluded.