Aaron Mokoena to coach SA U-17 team

Former Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena has revealed that he is on the verge of making a return to the national team set-up, this time around in the junior levels.

Mokoena is the most capped Bafana player of all time with 107 appearances.

He officially retired from playing professionally during the 2012/13 season while in the books of now-defunct Bidvest Wits.

The 41-year-old also had a stint at Cape Town City as assistant coach to Dutchman Jan Olde Riekerink.

Speaking to FARPost, Mokoena has now revealed that he is on the verge of joining the South African Under 17 squad as an assistant coach.

MOKOENA’s CHAT WITH FARPOST

“I have always been concerned about our development. I think development is actually where my heart lies,” he said.

“Hence I have put my name forward in terms of the development and I am quite delighted that SAFA are looking upon this because it’s what I always say ‘why am I still the most capped footballer in the history of South African football?’ It goes back to development. It shows that our development can be better.

“We can’t have your Aaron Mokoena being the youngest player (to play for Bafana) for 20 years. You can’t have Aaron Mokoena being the most capped player for 30 years. Where are the young ones?” he asked.

Mbazo as he is affectionately known was speaking ahead of the much anticipated FARPost Cup Mopani edition which will take place on Saturday, 24 October at NkowaNkowa Stadium, outside Tzaneen in Limpopo. Mokoena will also be gracing the tournament.

“Tournaments like the FARPost Cup that’s where we actually need to get out and find those young talents. I mean South Africa is too big to say that there is no 15-year-old that is really good.

“Let’s talk about Bongokuhle Hlongwane for an instant. He is only 21 years and he is playing in the USA. Do you want to tell me in South Africa there is no other 15-year-old who can break the record? Sure we have.”

Duncan Crowie is the current interim coach of the South Africa U/17 team.