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Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter
A TOTAL of 20 participants took part in the World Squash Federation (WSF) Level one coaching course which was hosted by the Squash Rackets Association of Zimbabwe (SRAZ) at St John’s College in Harare from March 31 to April 1.
The course was facilitated by veteran South African coach, Liz Mackenzie and also attracted participants from outside the country. Of the 20 attendants, four were not Zimbabwean nationals. These are James Dalidi, the top Kenyan squash player, Paul Chanda, Zambia’s national team coach and Mohammed Ali, a coach from Zanzibar, Tanzani.
Only two women, Polite and Yvonne Mubure took part in the course. This was the first level one coaching course under the Squash Federation of Africa (SFA) and the organisation is looking at having two more courses in East and West Africa as they look to increase the number of coaches and referees in the continent. Apart from taking the courses to other parts of Africa, SFA is also aiming at facilitating a growth path for coaches up to level three.
At the moment, level three is the highest rank for coaches as the sport’s governing body is looking at introducing level four.
“It is imperative for Africa to have world-class coaches in order to develop the sport to higher levels. The world squash coaching courses are designed to empower coaches with world recognised qualification,” said SRAZ chairman and SFA president Lucky Mlilo.
When he was voted in in 2021, Mlilo’s manifesto included an increase in the number of coaches and referees in the continent. The recently ended coaching course is part of the other programmes that have been held in order to help develop the sport in the continent.
“Increase the number of coaches and referees through the promotion of the World Squash Officiating (WSO) programme and by creating workshops throughout Africa with the goal of developing world-class qualified coaches and referees. This would include the facilitation of coaching camps for less-developed squash nations being held in more developed nations allowing for greater exposure to the best coaches and facilities,” read Mlilo’s manifesto.
This was not the first for Zimbabwe as the country has hosted the course before under the late South African coach, Graham Prior.
SRAZ is also set to host drug and substance abuse awareness campaigns across the country as they seek to educate youths and adults on the dangers of using drugs. A calendar of events was released by the organisation last week and will have walks, run-squash and webinar programmes taking place as means of educating both the youths and adults on the dangers of drugs and substance abuse. – @brandon_malvin
Online Reporter