Pascalinah Kabi
MASERU — Fifa and Caf instructor, Serame Letsoaka, says he is impressed by local coaches’ knowledge of the game.
Letsoaka, a South African, is currently in Lesotho to conduct a coaching clinic for 38 local coaches who are attending the Caf C Licence course at Bambata Tsita.
The course started a fortnight ago and ends today.
“They (coaches) have just written tests and will be going for practical assessments later today (Friday) and tomorrow,” Letsoaka said on Friday.
“That will give me an idea of how many are likely to pass the course but based on their performance yesterday I am impressed with the knowledge they have demonstrated.”
He said based on the coaches performance on Thursday Lesotho might realise its goal of turning professional in 2014.
Results for the tests will be out on Wednesday.
Letsoaka said the coaches will go home empowered with the knowledge needed to develop football in the country.
“In every course that each coach attends, passing or certificates are not the most important part.
“There are many positive things that these coaches are empowered with and can be used to develop football in every country,” Letsoaka said.
“We need coaches who are able to work closely with players and share the knowledge they got from these courses.”
He said Lesotho will achieve the goals set out in the Mohale Declaration, a road-map to turn professional by 2014, if all stakeholders work together.
“The coaches’ determination to produce quality players is critical if Lesotho is to achieve its goals and we must be aware that all stakeholders must work together.
“Players must gear up to turn professional as individuals, coaches must be qualified to coach any team and the administration must work extra hard towards turning football professional in Lesotho,” Letsoaka said.
Meanwhile, Letsoaka said Caf’s decision to standardise coaching qualifications in Africa was the right step towards development.
“Caf did this because they were aware that there were some people who were attending similar courses in Europe.
“They researched approaches used by other continents so that Caf can provide similar courses to member associations and we are now implementing the same courses.
“This is to ensure that even those coaches who can’t afford to pay are given an opportunity to be educated,” Letsoaka said.
Under Caf rules and regulations, only coaches with C Licence certificates will be allowed to coach premier league teams in Africa starting next season.
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