Twenty-seven coaches completed the first NFA C Licence coaching course in Nkurenkuru from 8 to 18 December 2025, marking a significant milestone for football development in the Kavango West Region.
The course, conducted by NFA instructor and FIFA coach educator Pauhl Shakes Mallembu, fell short of its 37-participant target but achieved its primary objective of addressing Namibia’s coaching qualification deficit.
“The NFA C licence coaching course officially started on the eighth of December, and completion came today, the 18th,” Mallembu explained. “We expected 37 participants, but fell short with 10, having 27 participants during the course.”
The programme introduced participants to advanced coaching principles beyond introductory levels, with a strong focus on practical training session preparation. Coaches learned how to identify team problems and develop targeted solutions to address defensive or attacking weaknesses.
Graduate Paul Simon described the programme’s impact: “The course was very informative. We learned a lot of things. Law of the game was one topic I mastered… I can confidently say I can coach a team that can win trophies.”
Simon said he was motivated by previous tournament losses against teams from Windhoek, which had affected his team’s morale. Through the course, he gained confidence and now envisions “this region growing to produce proper footballers using all the skills we have.”
The training addressed a critical need in Namibian football. According to Mallembu, many coaches currently operate without proper licensing, hampering football development in our country and violating CAF conventions.
Participants underwent comprehensive assessments, including practical field tests, theoretical examinations, basic nutrition and injury evaluations, as well as laws of the game tests across four components.
Only two female coaches participated, highlighting a gender disparity.
“More women are expected, because the more women in coaching careers, the more they’ll attract young girls to participate in this sport,” Mallembu noted.
During the closing ceremony, Football Association Vice-Chairperson of Kavango West, Egidius Nambara, emphasised the importance of practical application: “You are the lucky ones among many coaches able to attend. Let’s implement and help the players.”
“Coaching is a learning process. Having this paper doesn’t make you a top coach… you’ll learn daily because FIFA CAF keeps changing rules, so continue learning even though it’s stressful sometimes.”
Successful candidates will be invited to attend CAF C Licence training in March 2026, while others will be given second opportunities through regional leadership programmes.
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