Coaches miss out on high-level course
Malawian coaches have failed to qualify for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Pro licence training, the continent’s highest football coaching badge because they did not meet the requirements.
Twenty-six coaches are currently undergoing the CAF Pro course with South Africa’s Pitso Mosimane and former Zambia’s Chipolopolo coach George Lwandamina the only ones from southern Africa making the grade.
The others invited for the course are Senegal coach Aliou Cissé, Democratic Republic of Congo’s AS Vita coach Florent Ibenge, unattached Egypt legend Hassan Shehata and 22 others from Morocco.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) technical director John Kaputa said no Malawian was invited for the inaugural course because none meets some requirements.
“For a coach to be invited for the inaugural course, they needed to have CAF A licence and attached to a club or national team that has participated in CAF competitions such as African Cup of Nations, Champions League and Confederations Cup and at least reached group stage or quarter-finals.
“While we have coaches with CAF A licences, our clubs need to participate regularly in CAF competitions and with the same coach. Not this year one coach, next year you fire him and use another coach in CAF competitions. You need to be consistent,” said the TD.
Kaputa said though Malawian coaches may be considered in the next course, apart from the requirements, the coaches are also required to pay $10 000 (about K7.2 million) fees.
“So, if the coach is sent by a club, it should prepare to pay that amount. Or if the FA is responsible, that is the fee. It’s not cheap,” he said.
Coach McDonald Mtetemela, who was top of class of 25 coaches that sat for the CAF A licence, said the FA should help those that qualify for the course.
“We need highly qualified coaches if we are to develop our game. I hope FAM will help those that qualify, but cannot manage to raise the fees,” he said.
The CAF Pro licence is part of the continental football governing body’s Coaching Licensing System, according to a statement from CAF.
“This landmark licensing programme seeks to set and promote benchmarks regarding coaching on the continent and help recognise African coaches for their knowledge and experience.
“One of the key objectives will be to ensure that each African coach or any coach operating in Africa possess the relevant licence to perform his or her duties,” reads the statement in part.
Kaputa said once CAF starts reinforcing the coaches licencing system no national coach would be employed without the continental governing body’s approval.
