FKF CEO Barry Otieno (in black jersey) ,FKF Education Officer Salim Ali(in grey jersey), pose with the 25 coaches who began the CAF B license course at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) in Nairobi on Monday, August 5, 2024.
Photo Credit: FKF
A group of 25 ambitious coaches began their journey to acquire the CAF B license at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE). This milestone marks the sixth CAF B course organized by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), reflecting the Federation’s unwavering dedication to elevating the standards of coach education and football development in the country.
Among the participants are two school teachers, Jerry Opondo from Ambira High School and George Ojwaya from Kombani Youth. Their inclusion is a testament to the growing emphasis on integrating football education into the school system, particularly through the Football for Schools program. This initiative is designed to equip teachers with essential coaching skills, fostering early player development and creating a solid foundation for the future of Kenyan football.
Jerry Opondo, excited about the opportunity, shared his thoughts:“The federation is doing a good thing by absorbing teachers into these coaching courses. We are with the children at school, and receiving this knowledge will help us nurture these children on the right pathway that helps create a strong foundation.”
He also encouraged other teachers to embrace such opportunities:“To my fellow teachers, take these chances. The opportunity is here to further our football knowledge.”
The Football For Schools program goes beyond traditional coaching by offering access to the Football For Schools application, a tool that allows educators to blend life skills with football training. This holistic approach ensures that students not only learn the technical aspects of the sport but also develop critical personal and social skills. For teachers like Opondo and Ojwaya, this means they can make a more significant impact on their students’ lives, both on and off the pitch.
Barry Otieno, CEO of FKF, highlighted the significance of these coaching courses in achieving the Federation’s broader objectives for Kenyan football:“These coaching courses are essential to our vision for Kenyan football. By equipping our coaches with advanced skills and knowledge, we’re directly investing in the future of our youth and women’s football programs. Well-trained coaches are the cornerstone of player development, and this course will help us build a stronger, more competitive football landscape across all levels.”
Otieno also pointed to the success of Kenya’s Junior Starlets, whose recent qualification for their first-ever World Cup under the leadership of Mildred Cheche and Ann Aluoch, both products of FKF’s coaching programs, underscores the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Over the course of the next four months, the 25 participants will engage in a rigorous training program. The curriculum includes modules on tactical analysis, player development, and modern coaching methodologies. The course is being conducted under the expert guidance of seasoned coaches Salim Ali and Musa Otieno, who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the training sessions.
As these coaches embark on this transformative journey, their training promises to be a cornerstone in the development of a robust football infrastructure in Kenya. The Federation’s continued investment in coach education not only enhances the quality of football at all levels but also ensures that the sport’s growth is sustainable and inclusive. This latest CAF B course is a vital step toward realizing Kenya’s potential on the international football stage.
