Strong Interest as CAF D Coaching Course Gets Underway in Gweru

The Zimbabwe Football Association’s nationwide coach education drive has continued to gather momentum, with the latest CAF D Coaching Course currently underway in Gweru, Midlands Province.

The 10-day course started on Saturday and will run until Tuesday, 12 May. It has attracted 38 participants and is the first of two CAF D courses applied for by the Midlands region. A total of 70 candidates registered and paid for the programme, underlining the growing appetite for formal coach education across the province.

The second course is expected to begin immediately after the ongoing programme, ensuring that all registered candidates are accommodated and given an opportunity to take the next step in their coaching development.

ZIFA Technical Director Dominique Niyonzima praised the strong response from Midlands, saying the level of interest reflects a positive shift in attitudes towards structured coach education.

“The numbers from Midlands Province are very encouraging,” said Niyonzima. “They show that more coaches now appreciate the importance of proper training, certification and continuous learning. As ZIFA, we are pleased to see this enthusiasm because coach education is central to the long-term growth of our game.”

The course is being conducted by CAF and FIFA Coach Educator Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda, one of Zimbabwe’s respected football development figures.

Sibanda said the CAF D course provides an important foundation for coaches working at grassroots and developmental levels.

“This course gives coaches the basic tools they need to plan sessions, understand player development and create better learning environments,” said Sibanda. “It is not only about getting a certificate. It is about improving how coaches work with players, especially young players who need proper guidance from the beginning.”

The Gweru course forms part of ZIFA’s broader commitment to strengthening technical capacity across the country. By rolling out CAF D courses in different provinces, the Association is working to increase the number of qualified coaches, improve training standards and support football development from the grassroots upwards.

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