Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
NAAZ is rolling out one of its busiest programme calendars in recent memory, setting the stage for a decisive month of coach education that the association believes will shape the future of Zimbabwean athletics.
The packed December schedule blends technical training with expert led workshops, giving coaches across the country a rare window to sharpen their craft.
The month opens with two major courses running at the same time. From December 1 to 3, White City Stadium in Bulawayo will host the Technical Officials Education and Certification System (TOECS) course.
Harare will run its own track on those same dates, with the Coaches Education and Certification System (CECS) Level 1 programme taking place at Prince Edward School. A second CECS Level 1 intake follows in Bulawayo from December 5 to 7, which NAAZ hopes will help more coaches access training without long travel.
Specialised sessions will then take the spotlight. White City will stage the CECS Level 2 sprints and hurdles course from December 8 to 13 under respected Eswatini coach Muzi Bongani Mabuza. His experience in developing sprinters and hurdlers across the region is expected to lift the technical depth of local coaching.
German expert Gunter Lange will land in Bulawayo shortly after. He takes charge of the CECS Level 2 middle and long distance course from December 11 to 16, also at White City. Lange’s international reputation in endurance running is likely to draw strong interest from coaches looking for fresh scientific insight into distance training.
NAAZ administrator Manuel Mpofu said registration remains open, calling on coaches countrywide to make use of the opportunity. He stressed that strengthening coaching structures remains the foundation of any long term success.
“For us, coach education is not just another item on the calendar, it is the heartbeat of our entire development strategy,” Mpofu said. “Every great athlete is moulded by a skilled coach, and without well trained coaches, our athletes cannot reach their full potential.
“When we invest in coaches, we are investing in the future of our sport. These courses provide modern, evidence-based training methods, international best practices and a chance for our coaches to broaden their understanding. We want to build a coaching community that is confident, empowered and ready to produce champions at every level. That is why these programmes are so important, and why we will continue prioritising them.”
With such a comprehensive December lineup, NAAZ believes the benefits will stretch well beyond the classroom. Better equipped coaches, the association says, will eventually translate their knowledge into stronger performances on the track and field.
