The first-ever CAF ‘B’ class held in Kenya has concluded and 25 new elite coaches have been certified.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) courtesy of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), organized the four-month course and included attachments at top-level clubs for all coaches.
The class included former national team players, Musa Otieno, Hilary Echesa, Fred Ambani, Doreen Nabwire and Beldine Odemba.
It also included Tusker Assistant Coach, George Maina, Joseph Wambua of Ulinzi Starlets, Bidco United Head Coach, Anthony Akhulia and Harambee Starlets tactician Charles Okere.
Speaking, at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), during the graduation ceremony, FKF Ag. President, Doris Petra, said the achievement marked a proud moment for Kenyan football.
“I am proud of you; we started training of coaches in 2016 and it is a great achievement to have this class certified at this top level. This is a big step forward in the technical development of football in the Country,” said Petra.
Former Harambee Stars Captain, Musa Otieno, said the class is ready to play its part in the development of the game.
“We are lucky to be the pioneer class at this level, we are the ones who can change football in this generation and we have to use the knowledge gained to make a difference at the grassroots, especially among young people,” said Otieno.
Ulinzi Starlets tactician, Joseph Wambua, said the knowledge he gained has already started paying dividends.
“I am a different coach now. I have started applying what I have learned and I have won two trophies already,” said Wambua.
Bidco Coach, Anthony Akhulia, said the course has added value to him as a coach.
“This course has been intense but that is why it is good. It has changed my outlook on football. There are things I did not know about how football is managed and coached. It is now upon me to transfer this knowledge to my players,” said Akhuli.
Harambee Starlets Coach, Charles Okere, said the course will help Kenya bridge the game’s development gap with other countries in Africa.
“Playing in the Women’s Champions’ League showed us that we have gaps and raising the capacity of coaches is how we bridge the gap. This course also teaches you about long-term player development which is key to raising our game,” said Okere.
The coaches have to practice for one year before they can study for the next level, the CAF ‘A’ license.
FKF National Executive Member, Nabea Murithi, graced the graduation.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
