Sharpening the Touchline before Kick-off

As Zimbabwe’s topflight clubs put the finishing touches to their preparations ahead of the new season, a quieter but equally significant process is unfolding at ZIFA Village. This week, the CAF A Coaches Refresher Course is underway, bringing together some of the country’s most experienced coaches at a moment when clarity of ideas, sharp thinking and modern methods matter most.

With the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League scheduled to kick off at the beginning of March, the timing of the course is deliberate. As players return to peak condition and clubs refine tactical plans, ZIFA has placed the focus on those tasked with leading from the technical area. It is a recognition that the quality of football on the pitch is inseparable from the quality of preparation on the training ground.

The refresher course is being overseen by ZIFA Technical Director Dominique Niyonzima, whose mandate includes ensuring that coaching standards across the country continue to evolve in line with continental and global trends. Under his guidance, the programme blends structured theoretical sessions with intensive practical work, allowing participants to interrogate ideas in the classroom before testing them in real football environments.

“This course is about sharpening what our coaches already know and aligning it with the realities of the modern game,” said Niyonzima. “As the season approaches, it is important that our coaches are confident, updated and ready to translate ideas into performance on the field.”

Beyond technical detail, the course also serves as a space for reflection and exchange. Coaches from different clubs and backgrounds are engaging in open discussions, sharing experiences from past seasons and examining how small improvements in preparation, communication and decision-making can have a decisive impact once competitive matches begin.

The official opening of the course was attended by ZIFA Acting General Secretary Norman Gwangwadza, whose presence underscored the association’s broader commitment to professionalising football at every level. For ZIFA, coach education is not a box-ticking exercise, but a strategic pillar in building sustainable success.

“As our clubs prepare for the new season, it is encouraging to see coaches investing in their own development,” said Gwangwadza. “Strong coaching structures are essential if we want competitive leagues, better player development and a game that continues to grow in credibility and quality.”

Running throughout the week, the CAF A Coaches Refresher Course places equal emphasis on theory and practice. Sessions cover modern tactical concepts, training methodologies and performance management, while on-field modules allow coaches to apply these principles in live scenarios. This balance ensures that learning is not abstract, but immediately relevant to the demands of the upcoming campaign.

The significance of the course extends beyond the individuals in attendance. As clubs enter the season with refreshed technical leadership, the ripple effect is expected to be felt across the league, from training intensity to matchday organisation and overall football identity. In a competitive environment where margins are increasingly fine, continuous learning has become a competitive advantage rather than a luxury.

As Zimbabwe’s football calendar gathers momentum, the scenes at ZIFA Village this week offer a reminder that the foundations of a strong season are often laid away from the spotlight. By investing in its coaches at a critical juncture, ZIFA is quietly reinforcing a simple but powerful truth: the game grows best when those who lead it are equipped, inspired and prepared for what lies ahead.

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