The first CAF A Coaching Diploma Course under the new CAF coaching convention concluded on Saturday evening after 240 hours of learning at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
A total of 24 coaches, consisting of tacticians from various divisions, saw out block seven (7) of the training yesterday– which was the final assessment of all the participants, thus completing the six month-long course that began in May with pre-entry assessment of candidates to select the final 25 from 49 applicants.




CAF Instructor Francis Kimanzi supervised the last phase of the course which was then officially closed by FUFA Deputy CEO- Services Humphrey Mandu who was the chief guest. All the coaches received certificates of completion.
Mandu told the coaches that they are a vital pillar to the future of Ugandan football. He also reiterated FUFA’s commitment to embracing capacity building.

“Being in football management, nothing is possible without key stakeholders like you. And at the level you have reached, football in Uganda is going to be squarely hinged on your progress.”
“This crop that has come out today is the future of our football in Uganda. So, take yourselves as a very high breed of football coaches. Of course you will move with the others who are already there. They are doing a great job but I believe you will come up with a different concept.”

“As FUFA, we have very many concepts we are pushing, and the mission is – we want to be the number one footballing nation in Africa, on and off the pitch.”
“We need you and we are going to rely on you. Please show all your abilities and change, and brand yourselves.Let’s work together. In case you need any help, we are available as administrators and as FUFA. The federation is going to continue supporting you in all aspects, in terms of technology and more coaching courses because it is the best way we can achieve our technical master plan.” He added.
Areas of learning included; theory of coaching, practical sessions, match analysis, leadership and management, sports science and nutrition, first aid and injuries, media relations, among others.
Class captain Badru Kaddu, who is also a coach at Express FC, said;

“We thank the Federation so much, and we ask you to convey our appreciation to the FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo Hassim. We are very grateful to his great behind the scene work he did to see that these high level courses comeback to Uganda.”
“It had indeed taken us long without these courses and we are the first people to enjoy the new convention from CAF. We are not going to embarrass you.”
“It has been a long way – six months down the road when are studying. We came here half full, and we are now full of modern football knowledge. We are going to serve the country and uplift the standards of football going forward.”
Lead instructor Francis Kimanzi appealed to the coaches to remain relevant to football development.

“You are now the ambassadors for the next day. We have to be seen doing something good to open opportunities for the coaches behind us because it is not easy to get these high profile courses from CAF.”
“It involves a lot of hard work, lobbying and knocking on people’s doors. Let’s make it easy for the CEO to bring these courses here. This class of 24 coaches has to be seen doing good work out there, please don’t close that door by doing nothing.”

“Expound on the knowledge you have acquired here in the last six months. Keep the fire burning, make more research and rebuild yourself.”
“Education is not a guarantee to success. But we shall see the confidence you have, the way you package yourself, how you present yourself to the media. The confidence that you will bring to the touchline will tell something. I wish you the best.”














List of participants
Brian Sseyondo – Uganda Cubs
Kikomeko Abbey Bogere – BUL FC (Uganda)
Muhumuza Fred – Vipers SC (Uganda)
Ngabo Pius – UPDF (Uganda)
Luyinda John – Vpers (Uganda)
Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda)
Kintu Jimmy Mwera – UCU Lady Cardinals /St. Noa (Uganda)
Kaddu Badru – Express FC (Uganda)
Kyesmira Arthur – Edgar’s FC (Uganda)
Senfuma Mohamed – Maroons FC (Uganda)
Kiwanuka Paul – UPDF (Uganda)
Umar Abdallah – Melekia SC (South Sudan)
Michael Nam Ouma – Gor Mahia FC (Kenya)
Ojok Simon Peter -Maroon FC (Uganda)
Mugerwa Simon Peter – Police FC (Uganda)
Momcilo Medic – Flambeau Du Centre (Burundi)
Petros Koukouras
Alex Gitta – Simba FC (Uganda)
Mukasa Robert – URA FC (Uganda)
Kasule Richard – URA FC (Uganda)
Magera Jackson Kaddu – KCCA FC (Uganda)
Zungu Hassan – Busoga United (Uganda)
Ssali Tom – Bright Stars (Uganda)
Magoba Godfrey – UCU Lady Cadinals (Uganda)