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Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER ZIFA Technical Director Wilson Mutekede has added a new feather in his cap after enhancing his coaching credentials with a technical diploma from the renowned Barcelona Innovation Hub in Spain.
Mutekede, who is now the head coach of Premier Soccer League outfit Bikita Minerals, was recently conferred with a Professional Diploma in Football Tactical Analyst after completing a 10-month programme with the FC Barcelona education division.
He is also a member of COSAFA’s technical study group.
Barcelona are one of the giants of European football and regular La-Liga winners in Spain.
Their innovation hub drives innovation and knowledge in sport through research, training and technology.
Mutekede, who has also previously coached Shabanie Mine and the now defunct Northern Region Soccer League side Twalumba, told Zimpapers Sport that the programme deepened his understanding of modern football concepts.
A humble figure, who also served as CAPS United team manager for several years, Mutekede added that he hopes his new found knowledge from the Barcelona hub will give him a competitive advantage over his peers in the Premiership.
Crucially for Mutekede is the mission to ensure that Bikita Minerals survive the chop.
“I thank God for this,” he said.
“It was a rigorous programme, but worth the while. As you know, FC Barcelona are one of the clubs famed for their football excellency and talent identification.
“If you are versed with the Barcelona system, these guys have done a lot of research.
“This course gives a deeper understanding in terms of tactics and analysis. It focused more on football topics such as building play from the back, high pressing, match analysis, analytical implementation of technological processes and so forth.
“It’s a well-structured course which also includes video analyses, assignments and mock examinations after every module. I would recommend local coaches to take time to improve themselves with such courses,” said Mutekede.
Mutekede, a certified CAF coach instructor with many years of experience, believes that coaches should continuously upgrade to keep abreast with the modern trends in football management.
He hopes the new knowledge will also help his team Bikita Minerals survive relegation in their second year of Premiership football.
Bikita Minerals are currently 10th on the log standings with 29 points from 25 games. Currently, Mutekede is working on a development project with the Lithium Boys with a young squad, whose average age hovers just above 22 years.
Online Reporter