The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
THE Zifa Technical Development Committee has recommended a reduction of coaching courses fees.
This follows complaints over the fees charged by the football mother body as exorbitant and deterrent to most aspiring coaches to attend courses.
A member of the committee and CAF coaching instructor, Gibson Homela, said there were various motivating factors that saw them making the decision.
“There are a number of factors that led us to take that decision. People do not have money to attend these courses, so by reducing the fees we hope it will help a bit,” he said.
Homela said fees would be reduced by different amounts ranging between $20 and $200.
“We are trying to accommodate coaches who have interest to learn and develop themselves. It will be an advantage to us as well. If we have many coming to attend, then our football will develop as well,” he said.
Grassroots courses and Level One course will now attract a fee of $80 down from $100, while those aiming to attain Level Two will pay $100.
CAF C and CAF B courses are now set to attract a fee of $200 and $400, respectively.
A charge for CAF A is now $800 from $1 000.
“We have considered a multiple of factors to reduce the fees to such levels. The rates were high in comparison to other countries in our region,” said Homela.
According to the new standards set for coaches, only coaches who have attained CAF A course will be eligible to be head coach and assistant of Premier League teams, while one needs CAF B or Level Three or Four to coach a team playing in Division One or Two leagues.
Division Three coaches need CAF C, Level Three or Four, a similar requirement for those coaching at tertiary schools level.
A coach at junior level, primary and secondary schools need to have completed a Level Two or Grassroots Certificate.
In a circular released to Premier Soccer League clubs, ZIFA revealed that championship winning coaches are exempted if they do not hold CAF A, but have to attend refresher courses regularly.
Goalkeepers ‘coaches are expected to have at least an elementary goalkeeping coaching certificate.
According to Homela, there are 41 holders of CAF A badges, 114 with CAF B and 221 with CAF C certificates countrywide. There are 4 000 male and 200 female coaches who have Level One to Four certificates.
There are two women with CAF B and C certificates.
