When Keneilwe Mathibela steps into a room, she brings with her 15 years of dedication, an unshakable sense of purpose, and a faith-driven vision that has carried her from the fields of Pretoria to the global offices of FIFA.
Appointed to oversee coach development across all 54 African nations, Mathibela is making history, but for her, the moment is also deeply personal.
“On a personal level, this is an answered prayer. Professionally, it’s a dream fulfilled. Having been a national team captain, coach, and coach educator for more than a decade, it’s overwhelming to know the hard work paid off and earned me a seat at the table of the world’s football body.”
FIFA Coaching Development Officer for Africa, Keneilwe Mathibela
But this isn’t just a new job: it’s a continuation of a lifelong calling.
Keneilwe’s football story began as part of the first intake at the SAFA Girls Academy in 2004. She went on to captain the national team from 2006 to 2009, before an injury shifted her path toward coaching and education. Supported by mentors like Josina Tellie and initiatives such as GIZ and Dlala Ntombazana, she found a new passion: empowering others.
“I left football at one point to become a lecturer for five years. But people around me believed my journey wasn’t done. Here I am now, humbly starting a new chapter, hoping to impact the whole of Africa, like I did in South Africa.”
As SAFA’s Head of Coach Education, Keneilwe helped the Association regain its place in the CAF Convention and led a host of milestone programs: the first CAF A refresher course, grading courses for coach educators, and a 60% increase in coaching programs across the country.
“These experiences grew me emotionally, mentally, and sharpened my leadership and communication skills,” she says. “We trained a new wave of enthusiastic coach educators—people who are now helping shape the future of South African football.
Despite the elevation in scope, her core leadership philosophy remains rooted in humility and adaptability.
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“With great power comes great responsibility,” she reflects. “I may need to adjust my leadership style, but I’ll always stay true to my values. For me, leadership is about showing up, learning, and helping others grow.”
One of her key priorities at FIFA is to deeply understand the needs, cultures, and philosophies of the 54 countries she now works with.
“I want to support each one according to their needs. That means listening first, then leading.”
For Keneilwe, coach development isn’t just about training: it’s about transformation.
“Coaches should be at the centre of all we do,” she says. “Empowering them means empowering players, teams, and communities. And this opportunity must extend to women. FIFA has strategies in place to support female coaches, and I believe women should boldly take up space in leadership and technical roles.”
Keneilwe doesn’t shy away from speaking plainly to women who want to lead in sport:
“Get the right education and skills. Surround yourself with honest mentors and critics. Build your brand on knowledge and integrity. Respect isn’t given, it’s earned, especially in male-dominated spaces.”
She believes women across Africa are ready to lead, to shape football with passion, humility, and a commitment to human development. Though she now works for FIFA, Keneilwe’s heart still beats for South Africa.
“South Africa is home. I’ll continue coaching and supporting projects. People know my servant spirit, I’ll always show up where I’m needed.”
Whether in a boardroom in Zurich or a coaching clinic in Limpopo, Keneilwe Mathibela leads with purpose. Her story is not only one of personal triumph but a powerful example of what it means to lead with heart, conviction, and vision across borders.
Main Photo Caption: Keneilwe Mathibela has come through the ranks, she’s been a player, the national women’s team captain, a coach, and a coach educator on her road to appointment by FIFA as it’s Coaching Education officer for the 54 countries in Africa. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Mathibela believes women across Africa are ready to lead, to shape football with passion, humility, and a commitment to human development.
Photo 3 Caption: Mathibela: “Empowering them means empowering players, teams, and communities. And this opportunity must extend to women.”
Photo 4 Caption: One of her key priorities at FIFA is to deeply understand the needs, cultures, and philosophies of the 54 countries she now works with.
Photo 5 Caption: “With great power comes great responsibility,” says Mathibela. “I may need to adjust my leadership style, but I’ll always stay true to my values.
