FKF raises coaching bar ahead of CAF A Licence coaching course
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FKF raises coaching bar ahead of CAF A Licence coaching course
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The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is moving to tighten
touchline standards across local leagues, confirming that a full CAF A coaching
course will officially kick off in late September 2026 amid plans to enforce
mandatory licensing rules for top-flight head coaches.
Speaking at the KCB Ruaraka Grounds on Friday during the
conclusion of a week-long CAF A refresher workshop, FKF Football Development
Director Francis Kimanzi revealed the federation is facing a challenge of
selecting the coaches to enrol in this programme due to CAF requirements.
For better coaching classes, CAF limits the size to only 25
coaches due to quality and intensity required over the six -and -half month
period.
“The demand is very high,” Kimanzi said, noting that the last CAF
A coaching course conducted in Kenya was held during the 2023-24 season, when
at least 25 coaches completed the six-month program.
The decision to limit class sizes comes as FKF prepares to fully
implement CAF club licensing regulations requiring all head coaches in the top
flight (FKFPremier League) to hold a valid CAF A diploma.
“We have received more than 100 applications, but CAF
regulations specify that a class cannot exceed 25 coaches due to the quality
and intensity required over the six-and-a-half-month period,” Kimanzi stated.
“Out of the 25 slots, three are reserved for foreign
nationals as part of CAF’s cross-border development initiative, leaving just 22
slots for local tacticians,” he added.
However, Kimanzi confirmed that the National Executive Committee
(NEC) has formally approved and ratified the enforcement policy, though the
federation will avoid abruptly penalizing non-compliant teams.
“The policy has been designed, discussed, approved and ratified
by the NEC. However, we have to be considerate so we don't ambush clubs.
There will be a clear grace period and transition window
provided in our competition rules to allow teams and coaches time to align,”
the veteran tactician explained.
To qualify for the upcoming September cohort, applicants must
hold a CAF B license accompanied by at least two to three years of active
coaching experience.
The recently concluded refresher course served to validate and
renew existing diplomas for active male and female top-flight coaches ahead of
the new season.
Kimanzi emphasized that the federation's coach education
programs remain fully inclusive, covering tacticians across both the men's and
women's premier leagues.
As FKF prepares to train a new generation of CAF A License
holders, the Federation's message is increasingly clear, improving the quality
of coaches is central to improving the quality of Kenyan football, from the
grassroots to the continental stage.
Reporting originally appeared via Citizen Digital. Read the full source for additional context.