Vela Khumalo Faces Dilemma Over Coaching Roles
Vela Khumalo is reportedly hesitant to lead the Amajimbos at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, after failing to submit necessary documentation to the South African Football Association (SAFA) on time.
Instead, Khumalo seems more inclined to accompany the Kaizer Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge team on their tour of the United Kingdom, a reward for his success with Amakhosi's reserve squad last season.
This month, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) alongside MultiChoice announced that Chiefs' reserve team will compete against top English clubs including Manchester United, Leeds United, and Queens Park Rangers (QPR) U21 during a tour scheduled from 25 November to 7 December 2025.
The team is set to depart for the UK on Tuesday, 25 November, arriving in Manchester the following day, and will base most of their activities there.
Their first match is slated against Manchester United on Friday, 28 November, followed by a clash with Leeds United on Tuesday, 2 December. The tour will conclude with a game against QPR U21 in London on Saturday, 6 December.
In addition to the matches, the tour will provide opportunities for academy exchanges with Manchester United and Liverpool, facilitating critical knowledge-sharing. The team will also attend a Premier League match between Leeds United and Chelsea and enjoy a sightseeing day in London, marked by a visit to the Premier League offices.
However, the FIFA U17 World Cup is scheduled from 3 to 27 November, with Amajimbos placed in Group A alongside Bolivia, Italy, and hosts Qatar. Their campaign kicks off against Bolivia on 3 November, followed by matches against Qatar on 6 November and Italy on 9 November.
With the Chiefs' UK tour starting just days before the U17 World Cup final, it has been reported that Khumalo's delay in submitting documentation has resulted in tensions with SAFA.
A source commented, “Khumalo has burnt bridges with SAFA. He has publicly criticized the association, indicating there are issues within its structure. The relationship has deteriorated significantly.”
Despite remaining involved in SAFA’s coaching staff, Khumalo was called up last minute to lead the Bafana B team at the COSAFA Cup in June, where they were runner-ups to Angola.
When questioned about who would manage Chiefs’ Diski side should Khumalo accept the role with Amajimbos for the World Cup, Chiefs communications manager Vina Maphosa stated: “That discussion hasn’t occurred yet. Otherwise, Dillon Sheppard [assistant coach] is prepared to step in.”
In the meantime, SAFA announced that Amajimbos will play a friendly match against Malawi U17 to further prepare for the World Cup.
“The South African Under-17 men’s national team will take on their Malawi counterparts away this Sunday as part of their preparations for the FIFA U17 World Cup,” SAFA communicated.
“This match will act as a curtain raiser for the Blantyre derby between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and the Mighty Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium.
The FIFA U17 World Cup will take place in Qatar from 3 to 27 November 2025. Amajimbos have been training in Johannesburg in anticipation of their departure to Qatar next week.”
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