Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THERE is reasonable hope for a better future for the country’s best-supported sport of football as 38 participants, mostly from Manicaland Province, graduate today (Friday) with a CAF D coaching badge, more than a decade since a Confederation of African Football coaching course was last hosted in the eastern border city.
The long absence of CAF coaching courses has, over the years, fuelled the recycling of deadwood in local football, especially in the top-flight league, where the same coaches, most of them celebrated failures, have been exchanging the same clubs.
The FIFA ban, as well as inept past ZIFA administrators, left aspiring coaches without a platform to enhance their careers with requisite qualifications.
The return of CAF-recognised courses, thus gives refreshing hope for more promising coaches to acquire relevant coaching certificates, and be handed coaching roles on the big stage of domestic football.
The last football coaching course was held in 2024 at Sakubva Primary School, and it was just an elementary Introductory Coaching Course, far below the CAF coaching badges that are recognised and required for competitive league coaching careers.
An equivalent of the CAF D coaching badge, a globally recognised football coaching qualification that is mainly meant for grassroots football targeting children aged six to 12, schools, communities and clubs, was last held more than a decade ago in Mutare.
Ideally, the CAF D coaching course focuses on a holistic approach to coaching, developing basic football techniques, social skills, tactics as well as physical literacy.
Another key aspect of the CAF D coaching course is a module on Safeguarding, under which FIFA’s thrust is to create safe operating environments for all stakeholders in football.
CAF D also has a concept of football festivals for children where they play and learn football techniques.
ZIFA Manicaland board member for development and marketing, Frank Bhunu, who is also the Manicaland Safeguarding CAF instructor, said the CAF D course highlights the expansion of junior leagues, schools, colleges, Division One teams, and universities, ensuring broad participation among youths, including women.
“As a board member responsible for this initiative, I am thrilled to announce that the inaugural CAF D football course is being held in Mutare after a long wait. This course highlights the expansion of junior leagues, schools, colleges, Division One teams, and universities, ensuring broad participation among youths, including women, which promotes inclusivity.
“The attendance was impressive as our classes were full. We are excited to have this course. It is also encouraging that the participants were being trained by CAF-certified instructors, making this a valuable opportunity for everyone involved. This initiative also aligns with the BancABC Provincial Roots Impact Programme, as we compete with other provinces to elevate football standards. We are proud to provide equal opportunities for all aspiring coaches, and all coaches have successfully completed the mandatory Safeguarding course, ensuring the safety of our youths,” said Bhunu.
