Kaizer Chiefs’ reserve team and SA U17 coach Vela Khumalo has more than a CAF coaching license A qualification.
Born in Kroonstad in the Free State and raised in QwaQwa, he balances life as a coach, teacher, principal, husband, and father of two.
VELA KHUMALO TEACHING AMAJIMBOS AT THE FIFA U17 WORLD CUP IN QATAR
As Khumalo’s young charges prepare to face Japan in the FIFA U‑17 World Cup on Saturday, the coach has been doubling down, not just on tactics, but textbooks.
While in Qatar with the squad, he’s been running evening study sessions for players still sitting final exams.
On the pitch so far, South Africa’s U17 have beaten Bolivia 2‑1, drawn 1‑1 with Qatar, and lost 3‑1 to Italy, but with Khumalo guiding them both on and off the pitch, the focus is also on getting in the right headspace for the crucial clash against Japan.
“Education never disappoints. In the morning I start at school and in the afternoon I go for training with the boys,” Khumalo recently told the Citizen. “My biggest challenge is when I have to leave both school and Chiefs in order to attend the national team – as you know I’m a national team coach.
“It only gets hectic then. I don’t really have spare time as I’m always between school, Chiefs and the national team,” he added.
SUCCESS WITH THE KAIZER CHIEFS RESERVE TEAM
Last season, Khumalo proved why he’s considered one of the brightest coaching minds in South Africa. Khumalo led the Kaizer Chiefs reserve team to the DStv Diski Challenge title, winning 22 of their 28 matches, losing only twice, and finishing with a record 70 points, even clear of second-placed Stellenbosch FC.
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