Africa could be re-arranging a long-standing obdurate reliance on European imports for national team jobs. The signs are beginning to emerge. Bafana Bafana legend, Benni McCarthy, recently touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to take up the Kenya national team job. Zimbabwe's Calisto Pasuwa is in charge of Malawi's Flames as the kaleidoscopic pieces of a long-standing puzzle take early shape. African countries have been generally reliant on expatriates (mostly Europeans) or a local to take up the national team duties. However, nations are beginning to bucking the trend with the exchange of African expertise. By accepting the Kenya job last month, McCarthy became the first South African coach to take up a national team role outside the COSAFA region.
His counterpart, Pitso Mosimane, made history after he joined Egyptian giants, Al Ahly in 2020, which has opened doors for other coaches to explore previously unchartered waters. North Africa has been conservative, preferring its own, but the pattern was interrupted by Mosimane who went on to enjoy a stellar career with the Egyptian giants, despite earlier misgivings. His success has likely altered perceptions. Mosimane's exploits could be credited with the appointment of his fellow countryman, Rulani Mokwena at Morocco's Wydad Casablanca last July.
