Kaizer Chiefs Coach Dillon Sheppard Earns CAF A Licence as Amakhosi Strengthen Technical Team
Kaizer Chiefs have announced a major milestone for one of their key technical staff members, with coach Dillon Sheppard successfully obtaining his CAF A Licence after completing the qualification programme in Tanzania.
The achievement represents another significant step in Sheppard’s coaching career as the former player continues to establish himself as an important figure within the Amakhosi setup. According to Kaizer Chiefs’ official website, the coach, affectionately known as “Sheppy”, already holds a UEFA A Licence, adding further weight to his coaching credentials.
Speaking to kaizerchiefs.com after earning the qualification, Sheppard expressed pride in reaching a goal that required determination and perseverance.
“I’m proud to have achieved this. The journey started some time ago and came with challenges along the way, but I’m glad I’ve reached the goal. I’m grateful to the Club for standing by me throughout the process, and I’ll work hard to share the knowledge I have acquired with our players and other coaches within the Club,” Sheppard said.
The newly acquired CAF A Licence allows coaches to work at the highest levels of African football and further strengthens Chiefs’ technical department ahead of what promises to be a demanding campaign.
Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr. praised Sheppard’s achievement, highlighting the club’s commitment to developing coaches alongside players.
Speaking to kaizerchiefs.com, Motaung Jr. said the qualification would benefit both the senior squad and the club’s renowned youth structures.
“We fully support the education and development of our coaches. Having Coach Sheppy qualified to work at the highest level in Africa with his CAF A Licence, as well as in Europe with his UEFA A Licence, means our players – both in the Kaizer Chiefs Youth Development Academy and the senior team – will benefit greatly. We are proud and happy for him.”
Kaizer Chiefs Coach Dillon Sheppard Earns CAF A Licence as Amakhosi Strengthen Technical Team (Image: Kaizer Chiefs)
The qualification comes at a time when Sheppard’s responsibilities at Naturena are also increasing.
Kaizer Chiefs confirmed that he will officially assume the position of second assistant coach, working alongside head coach Fernando da Cruz and assistant coach Mahmoud Abbas. In addition, he will continue serving as the crucial link between the club’s reserve side and the senior team, maintaining close collaboration with reserve team coach Vela Khumalo.
Sheppard has already played a significant role in connecting the club’s development structures with the first team. During the previous campaign, he worked with the technical team that guided Amakhosi to a third-place finish in the Betway Premiership.
The strengthening of the technical team comes as Kaizer Chiefs prepare for what could be a pivotal season both on and off the field.
Following their third-place finish in the Betway Premiership, Amakhosi secured qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup, meaning the club will compete on multiple fronts next season.
At the same time, attention is expected to turn towards potential squad changes. Several players are nearing the end of their contracts, while others have struggled to secure regular playing opportunities, raising the possibility of a significant squad overhaul as the new era under the current technical leadership begins.
With continental football returning to Naturena and expectations rising among supporters, the club will hope that the continued development of its coaching staff, led by figures such as Sheppard, can help drive sustained success both domestically and in Africa.