CAF appoints ex- Basetsana coach as instructor

Sports Reporter

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed former U-20 women’s national team coach Sheryl Botes as an instructor.

  CAF said she has been appointed as women instructor of instructor training. 

  Botes is head coach of the SAFA Girls Soccer Academy at the High Performance Centre (HPC) in Pretoria.

  She said: “I am so excited about the appointment; it allows me to share my knowledge and experience with all the players and coaches in the country.”

  She becomes the second South African woman instructor of instructors after Fran Hilton-Smith.

  “It is about making a difference and seeing the growth in women’s football.  Being part of CAF is about rubbing shoulders with the best on the continent,” Botes said.

  But she will not be assigned duties yet as all soccer activities have been suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

  “For the past few weeks we have been faced with daunting challenges, and I know if we continue to respect the regulations and restrictions set by our government, we can get through this. Let us continue and fight to slow down the spread of the virus and reduce further infections. Let us continue to wash our hands, wear masks and keep our social distances,” she said.

  Botes will be required to conduct coaching courses in the COSAFA region but will still be with the HPC.

“It is a great privilege to be part of SAFA and it is an honour to represent SAFA at CAF level,” she said.

  SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan said Botes is very experienced when it comes to producing players.

  “Her appointment is an inspiration to many and is good for women’s football in our country. Her elevation goes in line with our philosophy where we have women coaches for women’s national teams. We are proud of her for being a shining light during these difficult times,” Jordaan said.