ZIFA Hosts CAF C Refresher Course to Boost Coaching Standards

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has concluded a week long CAF C Refresher Course aimed at upgrading the qualifications and technical capacity of local coaches. The programme ran from 13 to 17 October 2025 at the ZIFA Village in Harare and brought together 19 coaches from across the country.

The course, conducted under the supervision of FIFA and CAF educators, combined practical and theoretical training to ensure participants met continental coaching standards. Morning sessions focused on on field tactical work, including team structure, ball progression, and fitness conditioning, while afternoons were dedicated to modern coaching theory such as match analysis, player management, and football periodisation.

Upon completion, all participants renewed their CAF C Licences for another three years, making them eligible to sit on technical benches and positioning them for progression to the CAF B level.

Running parallel to the refresher was the CAF Coach Educator Mentorship Programme, which is developing Zimbabwe’s own pool of certified coach trainers. Four candidates, Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda, Tafadzwa Mashiri, Wilson Mutekede, and Joseph Sibindi, completed their fourth training phase and will now advance to the final stage of certification.

ZIFA said the initiative reflects its commitment to aligning local football development with CAF Club Licensing and FIFA coaching conventions, while reinforcing a culture of continuous education among coaches.

“Every trained coach is a builder of the game,” ZIFA said in a statement. “By investing in this course, you are investing in the growth of our clubs, academies, and national teams.”

ZIFA also confirmed that the CAF B Refresher Course will be held from 3 to 7 November 2025 in Harare and encouraged eligible coaches to register early.

The association says improving coaching standards is a key step toward professionalising Zimbabwean football and ensuring the game develops on and off the pitch.