Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN a boost to ZIFA’s renewed grassroots football development and youth talent nurturing initiatives, aspiring coaches from diverse professional backgrounds, including university lecturers, school heads, and teachers are embracing coaching education to enhance their knowledge of the game.
This was evident this week at Gwanda High School in Matabeleland South, where a CAF D Coaching Course is currently underway.
Facilitated by national women’s coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda, the course has highlighted the importance of equipping coaches with modern football knowledge to effectively identify, develop and nurture young talent.
Sibanda expressed her delight at the enthusiasm displayed by the participants, saying their eagerness to learn modern coaching methods was encouraging.
“The participants are responding very, very well, and I think that has also given confidence to the other three ladies who are part of the course, especially seeing me as the course educator. There are also lecturers from the local university among the participants.
“As a coach educator, it always feels great to facilitate football courses, interact with fellow coaches, and share football knowledge for the betterment and growth of the game,” she told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
The ex-Chapungu Queens gaffer, who is training participants from various professional backgrounds, revealed that she treats them as coaches rather than academics.
“There is no difference at all when I train them because I see fellow coaches, not teachers, lecturers, or school heads.
“I am teaching a subject that I have invested myself in. I enjoy it and deliver it with passion, and it has been great so far. I have a good group that is very passionate about learning and sharing knowledge,” she stressed.
Sibanda, who has been in the game’s trenches for decades, however, lamented the low participation of women in coaching courses, saying it was a mindset she was determined to change with the help of various stakeholders.
“To be honest, their participation is still quite low, but there has been significant improvement in the numbers. I get excited whenever I attend a course and see more ladies coming through.”
The former Mighty Warriors international paid tribute to ZIFA for arranging the courses.
“ZIFA, through the Technical Director (Dominique Ninyonzima) have been very supportive. By rolling out these courses, it means we, as coach educators, remain active.
“These courses are very important for grassroots development because they ensure that coaches are trained and equipped to develop players.
“After each course, the course coordinator notifies us of our next assignment, as we can be deployed anywhere,” she said.
Sibanda firmly believes that interacting with participants has immensely contributed to her own professional growth.
“I love coach education and mentoring younger coaches. It gives me joy to see them grow, and their growth also means growth for me.”
Unlike many trainers in other fields who often complain about a lack of equipment and resources, Sibanda has mastered the art of improvising with whatever is available.
“Challenges will always be there, whether logistical or otherwise, but they should never derail the progress of the course. We always find ways to manoeuvre,” she added.
