Swallows FC coach Musa Nyatama is elated after he completed his CAF C Licence coaching course with Safa Ekurhuleni this past week.
Nyatama has been attending the course with an illustrious number of Premier Soccer League (PSL) former and current players and coaches.
Among those who earned their badges are former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs star Bernard “Hond” Parker, ex-Orlando Pirates skipper Happy Jele, and Bevan Fransman.
Those who are already coaching include the veteran Khabo Zondo, who is on the books of Royal AM, Vincent Kobola, and Morgan Mammila of Chippa United. Manqoba “Shakes” Ngwenya, David “DVD” Mathebula, Isaac Shai and Esrom Nyandoro are some of the retired PSL stars who enrolled and graduated.
“The coaching course went very well. You never realise how much you can learn until you get into class,” said former Sundowns and Pirates midfielder Nyatama.
“We have acquired a lot of experience and we now know about the importance of why coaching education is so important. We have done our part as players and now we are taking the next step in our careers and also preparing for life after football on the pitch.”
The Daveyton-born Nyatama took over the Swallows coaching reins during the off-season when Dylan Kerr was struggling to get his work permit from Home Affairs. Nyatama also mentioned that it was inspiring to see familiar faces he played with and against during his impressive PSL career.
“CAF is encouraging coaches to get their licences and I would urge those who are still playing to consider these courses. You learn so much about football methods and tactics.
“And also how to take good care of your players. We can go far as a country if we can produce excellent coaches in good numbers – just like they do in Europe. We need to move with the times and catch up with the latest.”
The next step for the coaches is a CAF B Licence, which is required by CAF for assistant coaches.
Safa Ekurhuleni president Job Mchunu said: “As a region, we took the initiative to organise something for the coaches and Safa approved our course. We started on Saturday, 12 November and finished last Saturday.
“You must remember that some of our coaches could not sit on the bench during CAF club competition matches because they did not have the required qualifications.
“The course is tutored by coaching gurus such as Simon Ngomane, Conti Khubeka and Keneilwe Mathibela. Coach Khabo is a veteran, but he is here to upgrade.
“The situation where our club coaches were sitting on the stands during Cafa matches was embarrassing for the country and a national crisis. As Ekurhuleni, we took the advantage to empower our coaches.”
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