Dladla has become one of South African football's coaching success stories after guiding Durban City to a remarkable season that culminated in Nedbank Cup glory and promotion to the Betway Premiership.
However, despite earning qualification for African club competition on merit, he may be prevented from taking his place on the bench due to CAF licensing regulations.
The former Maritzburg United assistant led City to a memorable victory over TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup final in May, securing the club's first major trophy and a place in next season's Confederation Cup.
The achievement was significant for KwaZulu-Natal football. Durban City became the first KZN club to win the Nedbank Cup and the first Durban-based team to lift a major trophy since Golden Arrows won the MTN8 in 2009.
Yet while the club prepares for its continental debut, Dladla's participation remains uncertain. CAF regulations stipulate that coaches involved in inter-club competitions must possess a CAF A Licence, a qualification he does not currently hold.
Ironically, Dladla revealed he had the opportunity to enrol for the licence before the season but opted to remain with the squad as they prepared for life in the top flight.
"I actually had a chance to go and do my CAF A Licence during pre-season training in Bloemfontein, but after discussions with the chairman, we felt the team needed stability," Dladla told Sportswire.
The coach explained that obtaining the qualification is not straightforward, as courses are only offered when sanctioned by CAF and national associations.
"People think you can simply apply whenever you want, but that is not how it works," he said. "Sometimes you have to wait years for the opportunity."
With the preliminary rounds of the CAF Confederation Cup set to begin in September, Durban City are racing against time to find a solution.
Should Dladla fail to secure the qualification before then, the club may have little choice but to appoint a CAF A Licence holder to oversee their historic African adventure.
Durban City appear determined to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts next season, with former Orlando Pirates defender Bandile Shandu reportedly emerging as one of their key transfer targets.
Durban City have confirmed the appointment of Khalil Ben Youssef as their new head coach.
Golden Arrows have revealed former Durban City interim mentor Pitso Dladla as the club's new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Fezile Gcaba has reportedly penned a permanent deal with Durban City after a successful loan spell.
