ZIFA president Philip Chiyangwa has applauded former players, among them former Caps United striker Leonard Tsipa, who have enrolled for the Level One and Two coaching courses at Oriel Boys High School, saying it was in line with the association’s vision of developing the game at grassroots.
By Sports Reporter
A number of former players, among them Tsipa and former Dynamos duo of Eddie Mashiri and Kelvin Mushangazhike, are attending the course, as they take the first steps towards attaining football coaching qualifications.
Chiyangwa urged football players to commence coach education programmes during their playing days so that when they eventually retire, transition to coaching would become smoother.
Speaking at Oriel Boys High School yesterday, the Zifa boss said the plan was to equip coaches with the best and latest football coaching techniques.
“It is with pride that we are gathered here to see a total of 109 participants — 75 for Level One and 34 for Level Two — begin a journey that Zifa, Caf and Fifa support as we all bid to arm you with the best and latest football coaching techniques that we hope, as you go out to practice from grassroots level, will have a huge bearing on the standard of the talent we produce countrywide and ultimately for our male and female national teams,” Chiyangwa said.
“Without doubt, football is ever-evolving across the globe, and we cannot be left behind in the new era. We want to be up there among the best. Grassroots football development is critical, its importance cannot be overemphasised and you, the coaches, will be expected to play a pivotal role in complementing Zifa’s efforts in grassroots football development.”
The Zifa boss also praised his deputy Omega Sibanda, who leads the association’s technical development committee, and the efforts being made towards women football development.
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“I also notice a host of former Premier Soccer League players in Level 2; Leonard Tsipa, Marlon Jani, Eddie Mashiri, ltai Gwandu, former Warrior Kelvin Mushangazhike, Elton Chimedza, Ronald Chari, Daniel Kamunhenga Tafadzwa Mombeshora and others I may have missed. I know you have been heavily involved in football development, even before your decision to enrol for training,” Chiyangwa said.
“The best scenario for football players would be commencing coach education during your playing days, so that when you retire, the transition to coaching is smoother.
“I am impressed, to say the least, and I can safely say as Zifa, we feel we are on the right path when former players come on board to support the greater football development cause.”
He also praised primary and secondary school teachers that had also enrolled for the coaching courses.
The course is being run by local instructors, who include Gibson Homela and Nelson Matongorere.
