By OBAKENG MAJE
Aspiring coaches have completed a 15-day CAF- accredited coaching course held in Ditsobotla recently. Ditsobotla Local Football Association (DILFA) chairperson, Thebe Sekoto said the aim of this course was to educate local coaches on how to develop football principles such as the theory training, match analysis and the laws of the game.
“The education of coaches remains key to the success in the development structure of football in the country. To this end, the DILFA and its partners, AfriSam, have ramped up efforts to get more and more coaches qualified.
“The coaching course will indeed improve the standard of coaching and football in our region. We remain resolute and we are impressed by the commitment shown by our coaches who were capacitated,” said Sekoto.
He further lauded AfriSam’s contribution to this initiative. Sekoto added that coach education has a significant impact on their Vision 2025 as key performance indicators.
“The course has credit-bearing to qualify coaches to be admitted for a B-License course that will be held next year by the LFA. Guided by the South African Football Association (SAFA) Vision 2022 and its national technical master plan, the LFA completed the CAF C-license coaching diploma,” he said.
AfriSam General Manager, Vishal Aniruth shared the same sentiments. Aniruth also reiterated their commitment to improving the aptitude of coaches and the growth of football in the communities from which they operate.
“This is an ongoing partnership with DILFA through our Ima Nathi programme. The coaching course is part of a two-year plan to up-skill the level of coaching in these areas. Remember, the education of coaches ensures the future quality of football, which lies largely in the hands of qualified coaches who play a key role in the development of players and football,” Aniruth said.
One of the beneficiaries, Tekoetsile Korae said: “I’d like to applaud all stakeholders involved because this initiative will assist us in ensuring that our vital roles as football coaches enable us to run and supervise all training and football matches for the players.
“My love for football and seeing kids in the village play football drives me. No matter how many matches you have played at the highest level, coach education adds to your experience and gives you the finer details in coaching.”
Meanwhile, the CAF instructor Steve Coetzee said the course started in May 2021 and they have now completed the Diploma course. Coetzee said the objective was to try developing coaches because better coaches make better players.
“I’ve been an instructor for over 20 years, having been involved with a lot of coaches, from the late Thomas Madigage to Allan Freese, Owen Da Gama and Thabo September, who is the SuperSport United MDC side coach,” he said.
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