Children from Vurombo Primary School with the coaches who took part in the programme at Vic High
Moses Ziyambi
26 April 2017, MASVINGO – The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) will introduce measures that will make it mandatory to have a proven track record with grassroots football before anyone could obtain a level one coaching certificate.
This was said by Zifa vice president Omega Sibanda during the close of a week-long grassroots football coaching programme organised in partnership with the Federation of International Football Association (Fifa) at Victoria High School.
Sibanda indicated that there was no future for football without putting in place proper measures to scout for talent early.
“The future of football is within these children and that is where our main focus must be. We are looking at building the future player and I think it must be mandatory that one is well-versed with grassroots coaching before they can get a level one certificate,” said Sibanda.
He also said Zifa will introduce an under 15 league in the regions starting next year as part of the drive to strengthen grassroots football.
Speaking at the sidelines of the event, Fifa elite instructor Ulric Mathiot, who is also the Seychelles Football Association technical director, said the course was meant to help countries build their football capabilities.
“The next generation of football players will come from this programme. We target children from six to 12 years old and give them organisation skills in different exercises and at the same time developing the skills of those who are involved with the children; the coach educators,” said Mathiot.
He said it was fortunate the programme had come to Zimbabwe for the first time but warned that everything would be lost if local authorities fail do not capitalise on the momentum.
“It might be easy to open a shop, but keeping the shop open is another thing altogether,” said Mathiot.
Zifa Masvingo provincial chairperson Nobioth Magwizi said he was pleased the province had been chosen to host the event.
“I am happy that a historic Fifa grassroots instructor’s course was conducted in our province. I would also like to thank the Zifa board headed by Dr Phillip Chiyangwa and deputised by Mr Omenga Sibanda for affording us the opportunity to host such a big event. I hope everyone is going to take the results of this programme to develop the talent in children of various age groups,” said Magwizi. sport
