Football coaches CAF ‘D’ Diploma Course

SOME 24 football coaches from across Tanzania have completed the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Diploma ‘D’ license course held in Arusha.
The intensive training program brought together both male and female participants drawn from diverse backgrounds, including school teachers, sports academies, public and private institutions, and independent football stakeholders.
Among them were eight women coaches, including officials from the Arusha Women Football Association, reflecting growing female participation in the sport.
Coaches came from five regions—Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Kagera, Mwanza, and Tanga—and were trained using the official CAF syllabus under the coordination of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).
The sessions were hosted at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium by the Arusha Regional Football Association (ARFA).
ARFA Chairperson Zakayo Mjema pointed out the importance of incorporating medical personnel in every training session in line with international standards.
“At any sporting event or training, medical staff must always be present. It’s part of the new global safety regulations,” said Mjema.
He further noted that the course goes beyond technical skills, offering trainees a comprehensive understanding of football laws, management, and the broader dynamics of the sport.
“The most important thing is that these coaches come from institutions that work with youth, and they are now better equipped to pass on the knowledge,” Mjema added, highlighting the rising investment in youth football development nationwide.
The course was led by CAF-accredited instructor Fikiri Elias, who said the training aimed to empower grassroots coaches with the necessary tools to identify and nurture young talent.
“While English is the main medium of instruction, we also ensure effective delivery by incorporating Kiswahili, which enhances understanding at the grassroots level,” Elias explained.
He said the curriculum also covers ethics, psychology, and practical training techniques, providing a well-rounded foundation for aspiring coaches.
Rashid Kawambwa, a participant from Kagera, said the training came at a crucial time when there is a national push to develop youth football.
“The knowledge we’ve gained will help us coach young players more effectively and professionally,” he noted.
The Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), also known as SabaSaba, takes place annually on the 28th of June at the Mwalimu J.K.Nyerere Trade Fair Grounds. It is located along Kilwa Road, 8 km southeast of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
The Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair is an annual major promotional event organised by the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade).
Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) is a government institution, which was established under the Act No. 4 of 2009 that repealed the Board of External Trade Act No. 5 of 1978 and the Board of Internal Trade Act No. 15 of 1973.
The first Trade fair was held in 1963. It was organised by an expert from the UK in the Ministry of Trade and Cooperative Unions by the name of Mr. Lucas, with the assistance of Mr. Mashamba, who was an official of the Ministry.