CAF A licensed coaches have had their graduation ceremony finally graduated on Thursday May 30, 2024 at Kenya Institute of Special Education. This event marks the end of a rigorous 6 month training program that began on Monday, October 16, 2023 and saw the coaches obtain their licenses on Friday, April 12, 2024.
Over the past six months, the participants engaged in various practical sessions covering key areas such as Organization, Session Management, Performance Improvement, Meeting Players’ Needs, Communication, and Match Analysis.
The course comprised 17 comprehensive modules, each facilitated by specialized professionals. These modules delved into essential topics including physiology, anatomy, laws of the game, doping, leadership, and management. This extensive training ensured that the coaches were well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles.
Reflecting on the impact of the course on women’s football, coach Beldine Odemba remarked “As a club coach you can easily tell, I have learned a lot and it’s impacting on the team and we are doing well.”
She added, “I’m glad that we also had women premier league coaches in the course which means 3 or 4 teams are doing well, other coaches have done their (CAF) B licenses while others have done C, so slowly if we embrace these licenses and learning as women’s teams coaches, in the near future we are going to hit the headlines in the champions league.”
During the graduation ceremony, FKF CEO Barry Otieno underscored the significance of this achievement: “The graduation of these coaches is a testament to our ongoing efforts to improve the quality of football in Kenya. We believe that with their expertise, our national and club will reach new heights.”
The course was under the tutelage of Coaches Salim Ali and Francis Kimanzi.
At the same time, The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has been commended for its efforts in training coaches across the country, with former Premier League player Ken Maritim lauding the initiative as a game-changer for the development of football in Kenya.
Maritim who enjoyed a career playing for Ligi Ndogo, Sofapaka, and KCB, among other clubs as well as earning a call-up to the national team Harambee Stars, believes that better-trained coaches translate to better players on the field.
He is part of 30 coaches in the just commenced CAF C License course in Kajiado, under the tutelage of instructors Leonard Odipo and George Mwangi.
“I applaud FKF for their commitment to training coaches,” Maritim said. “It’s a crucial step in improving the quality of football in our nation. When coaches are properly trained, they are better equipped to nurture and develop young talent.”
He emphasized the long-term impact of this initiative, stating, “By training coaches nationwide, we are setting the stage for a higher caliber of players in the future.”
Maritim currently runs the Diaspora Football Academy in Rongai, The former Premier League star believes that FKF’s coaching courses will have a ripple effect, as trained coaches will pass on their knowledge and expertise to the next generation of players.