Coaches standardisation to remain in place

REQUIREMENTS for Premier Soccer League coaches to hold the highest Caf qualifications remain in force despite a halt in the holding of Caf A courses.

Caf sent a memo informing affiliated associations to stop conducting the course as they align content with other similar international courses.

The instruction saw Zifa failing to host scheduled Caf A courses that would have seen more coaches attaining the highest coaching standard on the continent.

Zimbabwe Soccer Coaches Association president Bheki Nyoni said there was a need for the Zifa technical and development committee to have a relook at the requirements because of the unexpected turn of events.

He said the move to cancel the courses was an “unforeseen predicament” that should lead to a rethink of the law.

“I think the technical and development committee led by Zifa vice-resident Omega Sibanda should sit down and see how best they can deal with this issue because when it was set, we envisaged a scenario where Caf A courses would be liberally held to ensure more coaches can be considered for jobs in the Premiership,” said Nyoni.

“However, now that Caf has said stop holding the courses, we cannot act as if everything is normal. I trust the committee will sit down and come up with a plausible solution that meets the current situation.”

However, Zifa technical director Wilson Mutekede said there is no going back on the Caf A requirement as Zifa believes the pool of 81 coaches that hold the top coaching badge will be able to serve the 18 teams in the Premiership.

“There won’t be any reconsideration as far as standardisation is concerned, as we believe the Caf A holders are enough to take care of the Premiership, which has 18 teams. In essence, with 81 Caf holders, I do not think any team can really complain about failing to secure a coach within that pool,” said Mutekede.

He said Caf is reformulating the curriculum of its courses to introduce practical tests that are held in the field over a period of time rather than the completion of the course in one sitting.

“Caf is taking a leaf from other confederations whose courses involve on-the-field continuous practical assessments rather than attaining the course in one sitting. This will apply even to lower courses. We will be holding a Caf A course next year although no date has been set, so other aspiring coaches will be able to enlist for the course,” he said.

As part of requirements to meet Fifa Club Licensing requirements, Caf introduced standardisation that saw all topflight coaches being mandated to hold the highest coaching badge on offer.

The Caf Pro Licence is reportedly on the way.