Kaizer Chiefs have celebrated a significant milestone after three of their coaches – Rory Minnaar, Jimmy Jambo and Unathi Mabena – successfully obtained their CAF A Diplomas.
The qualification allows the trio to coach at the highest level of African and international football and represents an important step in strengthening the club’s technical development structures.
Club leadership welcomes achievement
Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr. praised the coaches for their accomplishment, highlighting the importance of continuous professional development in modern football.
“We are extremely proud of the trio. Coaches Jimmy, Rory, and Unathi have made us proud with this achievement, which allows them to coach at the highest level in international football. It’s a remarkable accomplishment for the club and our players,” said Motaung Jr.
Key roles within the club
Minnaar currently serves as the Kaizer Chiefs Youth Development Academy (KCYDA) goalkeeper coach and is one of only five goalkeeper coaches in South Africa who hold the prestigious qualification.
Jambo oversees the club’s U15 side, while Mabena leads the newly introduced Kaizer Chiefs Ladies team, which continues to grow within the club’s broader football development programme.
Strengthening development structures
According to Motaung Jr., the club is committed to ensuring high-level coaching across all structures.
“Modern football requires coaches to continuously stay up to date with the latest developments, and we want to ensure that high-level coaching is available not only for the senior team but across all seven teams representing Kaizer Chiefs,” he said.
The three coaches join fellow CAF A licence holders Vela Khumalo and Mohammed Bhamjee, who are also part of the KCYDA technical team.
Club management believes the newly acquired expertise will further strengthen player development within the academy as well as the women’s programme, with teams competing in the Gauteng Development League, DStv Diski Challenge, and Sasol League.
Kaizer Chiefs congratulated Jimmy Jambo, Rory Minnaar and Unathi “Nutty” Mabena on their achievement, expressing confidence that their knowledge and experience will benefit the club’s young players and future stars.