Coach Bongiswa Dlamini from Eswatini has successfully completed a CAF B Coaching Licence Course in Zimbabwe. The course, which took place at the Zimbabwe Football Association's (ZIFA) Village in Mt Hampden, started on June 4 and was facilitated by ZIFA Technical Director Dominique Niyonzima and his predecessor Wilson Mutekede. Dlamini was among 25 candidates, including two foreigners from Botswana and Nigeria. He personally financed his studies at an estimated cost of E23 000.
The CAF B Licence is a significant qualification for Dlamini, allowing him to work at the National First Division level, the country's second-tier, and potentially serve as an assistant coach in the MTN Premier League, subject to EFA licensing requirements. To achieve this, Dlamini had to have a CAF C qualification, at least two years of youth coaching experience, and a valid logbook. This development comes as Eswatini faces a shortage of local CAF courses, forcing coaches to seek qualifications abroad.
The course was Zimbabwe's first CAF B programme in almost a decade, having last been staged there in 2017. It was a five-module course designed to improve coaches' technical, tactical, physical, and organisational knowledge. Dlamini's achievement represents both a personal investment in his coaching career and an example of the lengths local coaches are taking to acquire internationally-recognised qualifications.
Eswatini's football community has been facing challenges in providing CAF coaching courses locally due to the absence of an educator. This has led to a notable trend of Eswatini coaches pursuing qualifications abroad. In July, a report highlighted the shortage of local CAF courses and noted Dlamini's decision to travel to Zimbabwe for the CAF B qualification.
Dlamini's qualification is a significant milestone for him and the Eswatini football community. His achievement demonstrates the commitment of Eswatini coaches to acquiring high-level qualifications and enhancing their skills. The next step for Dlamini will be to apply the knowledge gained in Zimbabwe to his coaching career in Eswatini.
The Eswatini Football Association's (EFA) coaching structure places CAF B above CAF C, and Dlamini's qualification will open up new opportunities for him. He will be able to work at higher levels and contribute to the development of football in Eswatini. This achievement also highlights the need for Eswatini to develop its own coaching education programmes to support the growth of football in the country.
Dlamini's success in completing the CAF B Course in Zimbabwe is a positive development for Eswatini football. His experience and new qualification will likely inspire other coaches to pursue similar opportunities, ultimately enhancing the level of coaching in the country. As Eswatini's football community continues to grow, the demand for high-quality coaching education will remain a priority.
Key points
- Eswatini coach Bongiswa Dlamini completes CAF B Coaching Licence Course in Zimbabwe at a personal cost of E23 000.
- The CAF B Licence allows coaches to work at the National First Division level and potentially serve as an assistant coach in the MTN Premier League.
- Eswatini faces a shortage of local CAF courses, forcing coaches to seek qualifications abroad.
