25 coaches for Caf B course

Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has short-listed 25 out of 48 local coaches to undergo Confederation of African Football (Caf) B Coaching Course for the first time in two years.

Fam announced on its official website Tuesday that the course will take place from August 18 to October 18 2024.

Fam Technical Director Benjamin Kumwenda said the course is one way of increasing the pool of qualified coaches for elite football.

“We received an overwhelming response to the call for applications, and we are excited to see the best candidates take this opportunity to upgrade their skills.

“Our goal is to produce coaches who can compete with the best in Africa. With Caf B licence, Fam is paving the way for a new generation of top class coaches who will take the beautiful game to new heights,” Kumwenda said.

Caf B is the minimum qualification for Super League head coaches in line with Club Licencing requirements.

According to Kumwenda, the Caf B licence aims at equipping coaches with advanced knowledge in areas such as tactics, player development and team management.

Some of the notable names earmarked for Caf B coaching course include former Flames players Robert Ng’ambi (Mighty Tigers), Jimmy Zakazaka (Ekhaya FC), Joseph Kamwendo (Creck Sporting) Heston Munthali (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), George Sangala (Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Youth), MacDonald Yobe (Silver Strikers Reserve) Andrew Chikhosi (Strikers Ladies) and Elvis Kafoteka.

After successful completion of the course, the coaches will be allowed to manage elite teams.

National Football Coaches Association (NFCA) General Secretary Davie Mpima described it as a welcome development.

“We were hoping that more coaches would be considered for the course but only 25 have been short-listed for the first phase. We hope the remaining coaches will get their chance soon,’’ he said.

When contacted Tuesday, Kamwendo was relieved with the development.

“I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. I will work hard to upgrade my qualifications as coach,” Kamwendo said.

The country has 46 Caf A coaching licence holders whereas 29 have Caf B licence.

A total of 125 coaches have a Caf C coaching licence.