Ronaldo Van Neel's National Call-up: The Impact of a Locally Based Coach

Golden Arrows' forward Ronaldo Van Neel has been included in the Bafana Bafana preliminary squad, a decision that coach Mabhuti Khenyeza credits to the advantage of having a locally based coach. Khenyeza explains that a local coach, familiar with the domestic league landscape, is better positioned to identify and monitor talent, leading to Van Neel's selection despite his recent transition to the Premier Soccer League. Ronaldo Van Neel of Golden Arrows challenged by Thabiso Monyane of Kaizer Chiefs during the 2026 MTN8 quarter-final. The Golden Arrows player was a surprise inclusion in the the Bafana Bafana preliminary squad ahead of Pitso Mosimane's return.believes having a locally based coach in charge of Bafana Bafana gives the national team an important advantage when it comes to identifying and monitoring talent.and his technical team had been monitoring Ronaldo Van Neel long before the forward joined Arrows, which could explain his inclusion in the preliminary squad for the upcoming Van Neel joined Abafana Bes'thende from Hungry Lions at the start of the season after finishing as the league's leading scorer with 13 goals. Although the forward is still adapting to his new surroundings, Dladla believes his qualities will become increasingly evident as he settles in. 'That's what is good about having a local national team coach because coach Pitso and his technical team didn't just start to know Ronaldo Van Neel here at Arrows,' Dladla said. 'I'm sure if you can talk to them, they will tell you that they know him and they have been following him. For us as a team, we know what Ronaldo is capable of, he's still settling, he hasn't adapted fully. 'I promise you once he acclimatise, you'll see more of him. But it's pleasing to see him in that squad. ' Dladla believes Van Neel's selection could also open the door for more Arrows players if they continue performing consistently. The coach named Gasa , Philani Khumalo and Sithole among those capable of pushing for national-team recognition, while also challenging his players to remain ambitious. 'The likes of Aya Maxwele, Zwane , Shezi is one of the best right-backs in the country. They must be ambitious,' he said. He singled out Jiyane and Mabaso as players who could have forced their way into the Bafana setup had they remained fit. 'With Jiyane, it's so unfortunate that he got injured together with Mabaso. But I just believe that if Jiyane was injury-free, he could have gotten a national team call-up. Last season, he was one of the best centre-backs. ' For Dladla, Van Neel's selection is therefore not only recognition for one player but evidence of the value of having a coach who can closely follow the domestic game and its emerging talent.