SAFA Unveils New Technical Regulations
In a groundbreaking move, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has recently unveiled a set of new technical regulations designed to reshape the landscape of football in the country.
These regulations, which were agreed upon and approved at the SAFA NEC meeting on December 9, 2023, are set to take effect from the 2024/2025 seasons across various leagues and levels of South African football.
SAFA has unveiled some new rules.
What SAFA’s new rules are
1. Premier Soccer League (PSL) and National First Division (NFD):
SAFA’s new regulations bring a focus on enhancing coaching qualifications in the PSL and NFD.
Head coaches are required to hold a CAF A license, while assistant coaches must possess a CAF B license.
Additionally, clubs are mandated to register a minimum of two junior teams (boys and girls) within the Local Football Association, promoting grassroots development.
2. Hollywoodbets Women’s Super League (HWSL):
The HWSL is set to undergo significant changes, with the league expanding to 18 teams and the implementation of the “Rule of 7 + 3 + 1” for local and foreign players.
Coaches in the HWSL are now required to hold a CAF B license for the head coach and a CAF C license for the assistant coach.
3. ABC Motsepe League:
Coaches in the ABC Motsepe League are also subject to upgraded qualifications, with a CAF B license required for head coaches and a CAF C license for assistant coaches starting from the 2026/2027 season.
The league is expected to see an influx of junior teams, contributing to the development of young talents within the Local Football Association.
4. Regional Leagues (RL’s) and LFA’s:
Similar to other leagues, coaches in the Regional Leagues and Local Football Associations must possess a CAF C license for head coaches and a CAF D license for assistant coaches from the 2026/2027 season.
5. Universities and Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL):
SAFA has set standards for coaches in university football, requiring a CAF B license for head coaches and a CAF C license for assistant coaches starting from the 2024/2025 season.
6. School Football:
Coaches participating in School Interprovincial competitions are expected to meet new qualifications, holding a CAF C license for head coaches and a CAF D license for assistant coaches, effective from the 2025/2026 season.
7. Professional and Elite Academies (PEA), School of Excellence (SOE), and Development Centres (DC):
The new regulations extend to football academies, with a mandatory SAFA online registration process and a phased compliance procedure.
Academy coaches must hold a CAF B license for head coaches and a CAF C license for assistant coaches.
A well-drafted Technical Curriculum is also a prerequisite for these academies from the 2024/2025 season, emphasizing the importance of structured player development.
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