Zimbabwean football has taken another  step in strengthening its technical structures following the return of the CAF A Licence Coaching Course to the country for the first time in nine years.

The elite coaching programme, which was last held in Zimbabwe in 2017, has brought together 25 coaches from across the domestic football landscape, including Premier Soccer League clubs, lower divisions, academies and player development structures.

ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi officially opened the course, describing its return as an important milestone in the association's efforts to improve the technical quality of Zimbabwean football.

“This is much bigger than simply hosting another course. It is about raising the standard of our football from the technical level upwards. Better coaches develop better players, better players strengthen our clubs and, ultimately, that improves the fortunes of our national teams,” said Magwizi.

The CAF A Licence is currently the highest coaching qualification available within Zimbabwe's domestic Premier Soccer League environment and is an important qualification for coaches seeking to work at senior level in CAF competitions.

The return of the programme also represents a significant technical achievement for ZIFA, with the association now compliant with CAF Coaching Convention requirements to host the full coaching pathway from CAF D through to CAF A.

ZIFA General Secretary Yvonne Manwa said the association wants coach education to become a continuous and structured process rather than something coaches have to wait years to access.

“We want coach education to be continuous and structured. Our coaches must have a clear pathway to improve their qualifications without having to wait many years for opportunities at this level,” said Manwa.

Among the coaches taking part is Scottland FC assistant coach and class captain Daniel Vheremu, alongside Danger Fourpence.

Other Premier Soccer League representatives include Naison Mchekela of Chicken Inn, Joel Luphahla of TelOne and Tonderai Marume of Triangle United.

The class also includes Njabulo Dube of Hwange FC, Isaac Nyabvure of Hardrock FC, Luke Jukulile of Blanket Mine FC, Ralph Kanondera of Shamva Mine FC and Joseph Berekerei from the FC Platinum Under-19 set-up.

The programme has also attracted coaches from outside Zimbabwe, with Simon Marange representing Kruger FC in South Africa and Zimiseleni Moyo from Jumulo FC in Zambia.

Irene Mwanza of Victoria Falls Herentals is among the participants, providing further representation for women in Zimbabwe's technical structures.

Other participants include Kumbulani Msendeki of Sabi FC, David Madziwana of Hunters FC, Gibson Mutemera of Tenax CS FC, Norman Taruvinga of Lions Academy, Chasten Ngondonga of Dangamvura FC, David Sengu of Star FM FC-Communications League, Charles Mutero of RBZ FC, Jatson Maphosa of Chilli FC, Lawrence Mawulorm of Dynamos FC, Nkanyiso Moyo of Tenax CS FC, Arthur Tutani of Jumbo Giants and Chitonho Mutsenhu of CZA FC.

Tutani said the return of the CAF A course had been a long-awaited opportunity for coaches and could have a significant impact if participants transferred the knowledge gained back into their respective clubs and communities.

“First of all, I would love to say well done ZIFA, well done Zimbabwe Soccer Coaches Association for holding such a very important coaching course,” said Tutani.

“It has been a while, almost nine years, before it was held, and today we've made it. I hope it will go a long way. It's good to refresh or equip coaches, because that's where football starts.”

Tutani said the responsibility now lies with the participants to ensure that the knowledge acquired during the course benefits the wider football community.

“If everyone goes back home with the same mind, same attitude, that's what we want to give back to our community: the knowledge on how to play football,” he said.

The intensive course combines classroom-based theory with practical sessions, exposing coaches to the tactical, technical, physical and leadership demands of modern football at an advanced level.

Behind the revival of the CAF A programme is the ZIFA Technical Directorate, led by Technical Director Dominique Niyonzima, who has been driving efforts to rebuild the country's coach education pathway.

Niyonzima said the return of the course was the result of extensive technical work and could pave the way for even bigger ambitions.

“Reaching the point where we can host CAF A again has taken a lot of work. It means Zimbabwe can now offer coaches the complete pathway from CAF D to CAF A within our own structures,” he said.

“Our next ambition is CAF Pro. We know the standards are extremely high, but that is the level we want Zimbabwean football to aspire to.”