Former Orlando Pirates coach Roger De Sa has praised the growing trend of South African coaches taking their expertise beyond the country's borders, seizing opportunities to work on the international stage.
De Sa, who boasts considerable experience coaching abroad, including stints with the national teams of Egypt, Iran, and Qatar, is currently an assistant coach to Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz in Oman.
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The duo has been entrusted to guide the Oman football national team on its journey toward qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to take place in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Some of the notable SA coaches abroad include Rulani Mokwena, who is currently leading Algerian giants MC Alger, while Pitso Mosimane, one of the best in the industry, previously enjoyed major success with Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly before taking on roles in the Middle East.
Another name gaining recognition is former Bucs mentor Fadlu Davids, who is now in charge of Tanzanian outfit Simba SC, one of the top clubs in East Africa.
Meanwhile, Brandley Carnell continues to impress in the United States, coaching St. Louis City SC in Major League Soccer.
Reflecting on this growing list, De Sa expressed his pride and optimism about the direction South African coaching is taking.
"We are heading in the right direction, it’s amazing to see more South African coaches getting opportunities abroad," said the former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper coach in an interview with KickOff.com.
"Now, when I attend coaching conventions, I run into fellow South Africans, it could be coaches, analysts, or fitness trainers. We’re starting to leave a footprint abroad.
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"And it's not just in football. In rugby, cricket, and athletics, our country is doing great things around the world and it’s good for the country. We gain experience and bring it back home.
"Look at coach Davids in Tanzania, Brandley in America, and Rulani Mokwena following that same route. Thanks to trailblazers like Pitso Mosimane, more and more are spreading their wings. It’s fantastic."
