21 April 2020 – Former head coach of the South African U-20 Women’s National Team (Basetsana), Sheryl Botes, has been appointed a CAF Instructor.
This comes after she recently completed her CAF Women Instructor of Instructors training.
In a statement, the football governing body on the continent had this to say:
“CAF is delighted to announce that you have successfully completed your Women Instructor of Instructor training. This letter is an official document appointing you as the Regional B (COSAFA region) Instructor. During this time you will be called to carry out tasks at local level, to participate in refresher Women courses, to participate in CAF Women activities.”
Botes is currently the Head Coach of the SAFA Girls Soccer Academy based at the High Performance Centre (HPC), in Pretoria.
“It is a great achievement and I am so honoured to have been appointed as a CAF Instructor. 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 especially in Woman’s Football,” said Botes.
She becomes only the second South African woman instructor of instructors after Fran Hilton-Smith.
“It is about making a difference and seeing the growth in Woman’s football. Being part of CAF, in itself, is about rubbing shoulders with the best on the continent,” added Botes.
“Yes, currently it is only myself and Fran, but I can promise you that there are more South African Coaches coming through the ranks. We have an abundance of knowledgeable female coaches in the country.”
But unfortunately she will not be assigned duties anytime soon as all football activities have come to a complete stop due to the deadly corona virus pandemic wreaking havoc around the world. And she had this message to say.
“My fellow South Africans, 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 as a nation, 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 (sanitize), wear masks and keep our social distances. We shall survive this. We are a strong nation,” she said.
As a CAF Instructor, Botes will be required to conduct Coaching Courses in the whole COSAFA Region but she will not be lost to the HPC.
“No ways, I will still be around – I will continue with our mandate of producing players for all our Women National teams,” concluded Botes.
“And last but not least, I would like to take this opportunity to thank SAFA for investing in me as a Coach, all these years. It is a great privilege to be part of SAFA and it is an honour as a South African Coach to represent SAFA at CAF level.”
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan showered her with praises.
“CAF could not have chosen an appropriate candidate in Sheryl Botes. She is very experienced when it comes to producing players at the HPC where she is based – she has also coached the U20 Women’s National Team, and I believe she will do well in her new CAF assignment,” said Dr Jordaan.
“Her appointment is will serve as an inspiration to many and is good for women’s football in our country. Her elevation goes in line with our philosophy at SAFA where we have women coaches for women’s national teams – and in that way she will be able to impart her knowledge to them. We are extremely proud of her for being a shining light during these difficult times in our country.”