The former Santos, Cape Town Spurs and Maritzburg United striker Keith America (pictured) has welcomed the decision by the South African Football Association’s (Safa) recent qualifications criteria for coaching.
America who had after his illustrious playing career delved straight into coaching due to his passion and love for the game and to impart his knowledge to the next generation of footballers.
America, who ran a coaching clinic for the last decade, is one of the most passionate and committed coaches who gives his wealth of knowledge and expertise of the game and expects nothing in return.
‘Kieta’ as America is better known, did emphasize that successfully obtaining coaching badges should not be deemed as a luxury or a privilege which it currently is. America said that Safa’s vision to certify the coaches from pro to amateur level is a step in the right direction.
“It is important for coaches to be educated as they are dealing with kids,” America told No Bones with Jones. “Coaches must be sensitive when working with young children therefore the necessary training and education is compulsory. However, coaches on the other hand must get compensated in some other way as well.
“Coaching in amateur structures can become an unthankful job, you know. You have to get to places and courses all at your own expense. Somehow Safa has to find a solution as to how everybody benefits. We have quite a number of educated coaches but the monetary incentive is terrible. With all the efforts you put in you get nothing back.”
According to America some coaches successfully completed their coaching badges years back but no accreditation or certification was issued to these coaches. They include Gordon Witbooi, Brandon Truter, Ayyoob Gester, Donovan Smith, Desmond Crowie and Manie Jattiem amongst others
America explains: “We did the Safa Level 2 course which is close to a Caf A-license but Safa still hasn’t come to the party to acknowledge these coaches – and now there is a new system implemented. What is happening to those coaches?
“What also happened to the Safa Level one which follows two introductory courses are now changed to a Caf-D. We need clarity on this matter. We were then supposed to go for the Pro licence but we were told that PSL coaches get preference for the Pro Licence?
“I am not going to repeat it as it was a costly exercise on my part. We spent money out of our own pockets in Joburg, we had to pay for food and only the course was covered. We did this to invest in ourselves. Perhaps you do a couple of hours as a refresher to get you to an equivalent of the Caf-level. I think we deserve more respect in this regard,” America concluded.
America has also launched his new coaching clinic called America’s Dream Football Clinic in a bid to expedite talented footballers into academies or professional structures as he has done during his time at Santos.
Below are the criteria set out for the amateur structures.
ABC Motsepe League
Coaches’ qualifications in the ABC Motsepe League (Head Coach- CAF B and Assistant Coach-CAF C) from the start of 2026/2027 season.
ABC Motsepe League Clubs to have a minimum of 2 junior teams (boys and girls) registered within the Local Football Association from the start of the 2025/2026 season.
ABC Motsepe League clubs are allowed to register 6 Under-23 players. A minimum of 3 can start the game and must play a minimum of 45 minutes and a maximum of 60 min. 2 Under-23 players must finish the match from 2024/2025.
Regional Leagues (RL’s) and LFA’s
Coaches’ qualifications in the Regional Leagues and LFA’s (Head Coach- CAF C and Assistant Coach-CAF D) from the start of 2026/2027 season.
Regional League clubs to have a minimum of 2 junior teams (boys and girls) registered within the Local Football Association from the start of the 2025/2026 season.
Universities and Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL)
Coaches’ qualifications in the Universities and IHL (Head Coach- CAF B and Assistant Coach-CAF C) from the start of 2024/2025 season. University clubs to have a minimum of 2 junior teams (boys and girls) registered within the Local Football Association from the start of the 2024/2025 season.
School’s Football
Coaches’ qualifications in the School Interprovincial competitions (Head Coach- CAF C and Assistant Coach-CAF D) from the start of 2025/2026 season.
Professional and Elite Academies (PEA), School of Excellence (SOE), and
Development Centres (DC)
Compliance process to happen in 3 phases (Phase 1-registration, Phase 2-Online visit and verification, and Phase 3-Categorisation and Certification).
Coaches’ qualifications in the PEA, SOE, and DC (Head Coach- CAF B and Assistant Coach-CAF C) from the start of 2024/2025 season.
Qualifications for Academy Manager /Academy Director/Head of Youth Technical (CAF B) from the start of the 2024/2025 season.
Presence of a well-drafted Technical Curriculum within PEA, SOE, and DC for all age groups from the start of the 2024/2025 season.
PEA, SOE, and DC to have a minimum of 2 junior teams (boys and girls) registered within the Local Football Association from the start of the 2024/2025 season.
