Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S nine-year wait for a CAF A Licence course ended yesterday when 25 coaches began the country’s highest available coaching qualification at ZIFA Village.
Among them was Arthur Tutani, who guided Simba Bhora into the Premiership in 2022 but could not lead them in their maiden top-flight campaign because he did not hold the required badge.
The veteran coach, who also led Lions and Mwana Africa to promotion, was affected when ZIFA enforced CAF Club Licensing requirements for Premiership coaches. Simba Bhora’s application for a waiver was reportedly turned down.
For Tutani and several others in the class, the course offers access to opportunities that had been closed by the absence of a local CAF A programme.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi launched the course, the first full programme of its kind in Zimbabwe since 2017.
It is separate from the refresher staged in February for coaches who already held CAF A qualifications.
The new course comes at an important time for local coaches, with Premiership head coaches required to hold a CAF A Licence and their assistants a CAF B badge. Tonderai Marume’s wait dates back to 2016, when he completed his CAF B Licence.
“I am excited because it has been a very long time since we had such an opportunity in Zimbabwe,” Marume said.
“I completed my CAF B Licence in 2016 but could not progress further.
“I tried applying in neighbouring countries such as Botswana and South Africa, but could not get places because of the limited numbers.
“So this is a huge opportunity. It is the highest coaching qualification available in the country and every coach dreams of reaching this level.”
Marume is joined by coaches drawn from Premiership clubs, lower divisions and academies.
Scottland assistants Daniel Vheremu and Danger Fourpence are part of the class, along with Naison Mchekela of Chicken Inn, Joel Luphahla of TelOne, Njabulo Dube of Hwange and Isaac Nyabvure of Hardrock.
Luke Jukulile, Ralph Kaondera and FC Platinum Under-19 coach Joseph Berekerei are also enrolled.
Former Young Warriors coach Simon Marange, now with Kruger FC in South Africa, and Zimiseleni Moyo of Zambia’s Jumulo FC are among those working outside Zimbabwe who have joined the course.
Irene Mwanza of Victoria Falls Herentals is the only woman in the intake.
CAF A licence intake
Daniel Vheremu, Danger Fourpence, Naison Mchekela, Joel Luphahla, Tonderai Marume, Njabulo Dube, Isaac Nyabvure, Luke Jukulile, Ralph Kawondera, Joseph Berekerei, Simon Marange, Zimiseleni Moyo, Irene Mwanza, Kumbulani Msendeki, David Madziwana, Gibson Mutemera, Norman Taruvinga, Chasten Ngondonga, David Sengu, Charles Mutero, Jatson Maphosa, Lawrence Mawulorm, Nkanyiso Moyo, Arthur Tutani and Chitonho Mutsenhu
