More players asked to take up coaching courses

• FKF have been undertaking various CAF D coaching courses
• Several active and recently retired players have taken the courses
• The Federation says it will organize more courses

More players have been urged to take up coaching courses, as the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) rolls out more of the elementary CAF D Coaching courses. Among the current active players who have taken up the courses include Tusker skipper Humphrey Mieno and Posta Rangers’ assistant captain Suleiman Ngotho.

Ngotho has urged more players to take up the courses especially as they look towards life after football, when coaching or punditry can be a next career for them.

Ngotho was speaking at the CAF D closing ceremony in BuruBuru organized by the Football Kenya Federation Nairobi East Branch. He was among 42 aspiring coaches that benefitted from the course and received certification.

He said players need to think about life after football.

“We as current active players should start emulating our European counterparts and begin taking these courses while we are still actively playing, so when its time to hang our boots, we already have a clear idea of our next step,” said Mr. Ousman.

Combine skills with playing career

He continued to say, ” With the skills, I have now acquired through this course combined with the skills I have acquired in my playing career, I will be able to effectively develop and nurture my team with the proper knowledge and skill.”

Former Bandari Player Max Odongo echoed the sentiments.

“I formerly played at Western Stima, and during my time there got an Achilles tendon injury, when I moved to Bandari, I strained the injury, which ended my football career. This took a toll on me since I was a young player and all I knew was playing football. Through talks with my coaches and club officials, I was able to get out of my depression. I decided to attend this course to begin my coaching journey.

Football has a lot of careers to pursue, apart from being a head coach, one can also be a Physio, Strength and Conditioning coach, speed coach, analyst, and a lot more,” he added.

FIFA/FKF instructors George Mwangi, and Salim Ali ran the ten-day course.

Kiongera also urge players to take up courses

Former KCB striker Mungai Kiongera

His sentiments are also shared by former Harambee Stars striker Mungai Kiongera who featured for the likes of Gor Mahia, KCB and AFC Leopards before retiring due to injury.

“I urge former football legends to partake in these courses and help nurture young talents in the grassroots who lack the proper technical guidance to exploit their full potential,” said the former forward.

Kiongera emphasized the role of qualified coaches at the grassroots.

“Knowledge is Power, and we need grassroots coaches and former players to have the power to improve players and take them to the next level. That begins with taking up these coaching courses, ” said Kiongera.

FIFA/FKF instructor Leonard Odipo led the ten-day course in Kajiado, where Kiongera was among those who attended the course.

Another was attended to by former Tusker FC and Gor Mahia midfielder Victor Ali Abondo.

Abondo said former players can combine coaching skills with their own experiences to nurture football talent and improve football in the country.

“Former players have the skills and experiences to make a difference to young players. This can be our way of giving back to the community.”