Johannesburg – Hugo Broos, the head coach of Bafana Bafana, says he would not change his first assistant Cedo Janevski because he has great faith in Helman Mkhalele.
Saturday marked the first National Executive Committee meeting for the SA Football Association (Safa) following the National Electoral Congress.
Then, chief executive Tebogo Motlanthe said that the Macedonian had quit and accepted a coaching position in Cyprus.
Janevski and Broos forged a friendship, both on and off the field, in Belgium during their individual careers before joining Bafana last year.
Janevski contributed to four wins, three ties, and three losses for Bafana in all competitions, including World Cup qualifiers.
However, he received so many offers over the past few months that Broos had no choice but to give him permission to join AEL Limassol.
“This wasn’t the first time he received an offer. Broos told the media on Monday afternoon, “Everyone, including myself, knows that Cedo is a terrific coach.”
“He has worked extensively in Cyprus in the past. In November, he received an offer, but I refused to release him. And because of our friendship, he agreed.
“In January, he had another offer from a major team in Cyprus, which I once again declined.” Again, he accepted to continue as Bafana’s assistant coach.
“However, it is understandable that a third offer within a year would be tough to refuse. At that point, I authorized him to begin negotiations.
“He had an arrangement with the club on Thursday. I viewed the signed agreement. Everything was agreed with Safa on Friday, and he departed on Saturday evening.
As a result of Janevski’s resignation, Mkhalele will continue to serve since Broos’ sole delegate, as the Belgian does not see the need to bolster his technical staff at this time.
Mkhalele was added to the team as a local assistant because he has extensive knowledge of local football. In the Cosafa Cup and Chan qualifications, he led Bafana.
Broos stated, “If I were to replace him [Janevski], it would be another Belgian since I lack sufficient information about a South African.”
“However, I am confident in what I currently have. A year ago, I had never met Helman. And this is why you must bring someone from your home nation when you travel overseas.
“You can completely rely on that individual. You understand how they operate. There is no adaption, yet Helman was more helpful than Cedo during my first few months in this city.
“He has extensive knowledge of local football. I am aware of his views on other topics. Why then should I board another Belgian bus? I’m confident in his abilities.”
This weekend, Broos and his side will play their first friendly without Janevski, against Sierra Leone, before facing Botswana on September 27.