The Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has announced plans to elevate coaching standards in the country's top football league. Effective next season, FDH Bank Premiership clubs will be required to have coaches with a Caf A coaching licence. This move is aimed at improving the quality of football in Malawi and aligns with Confederation of African Football (Caf) requirements. Currently, a Caf B licence is the minimum requirement for coaches in the FDH Bank Premiership.
Fam President Fleetwood Haiya made the announcement during the official opening of the Caf A coaching course at Mpira Village, Chiwembe Township, in Blantyre City. The course, which is being attended by local coaches, is a significant step towards enhancing coaching capabilities in Malawi. Haiya emphasized that the course would change the country's football landscape, enabling Malawi to export coaches and compete with foreign counterparts.
The Caf A coaching course was discontinued in 2016, leaving Malawi without a steady supply of high-level coaches. The return of the course is expected to improve football standards in the country, with the potential to produce coaches who can compete internationally. The first module of the coaching course is set to be completed in May next year, with a locally developed manual that has been accredited by Fifa.
The move to raise coaching standards is part of Fam's 10-year Transformative Strategic Plan (2024-34). Haiya believes that quality coaches are essential for developing better players, stronger clubs, and competitive national teams. By investing in coaching development, Fam aims to improve Malawi's football performance and increase its competitiveness on the African stage.
Several prominent coaches are attending the Caf A coaching course, including Malawi National Women’s Football Team Coach Lovemore Fazili and Kondwani Ikwanga of Chitipa United. The course is expected to have a positive impact on Malawi's football community, with coaches expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity to upgrade their skills and contribute to the country's football development.
The introduction of the Caf A coaching licence as a minimum requirement for FDH Bank Premiership clubs is a significant step towards professionalizing coaching in Malawi. With the course set to produce high-quality coaches, Malawi's football league is likely to become more competitive, and the country's national teams may benefit from improved coaching expertise.
The development is also expected to have a positive impact on the country's football economy. With a steady supply of skilled coaches, Malawi may be able to reduce its reliance on foreign coaches and export its own coaching talent. This could lead to cost savings and increased revenue for the country's football industry.
Key points
- The Caf A coaching licence will become the minimum requirement for FDH Bank Premiership clubs from next season.
- The move aims to improve coaching standards and competitiveness in Malawi's football league.
- The development is part of Fam's 10-year Transformative Strategic Plan to enhance football development in the country.
