Over 900 Grassroots Coaches Trained in Southern Province

More than 900 teachers and community coaches in Southern Province have been trained in basic football coaching through the E‑License coaching programme. The initiative is a partnership between Our Pitch, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Southern Chapter, and the Ministry of Education. Speaking during the closing of the training in Choma, Our Pitch Core Director Chrispine Kamuna said the programme, held across four districts, is aimed at equipping grassroots coaches with FIFA‑standard knowledge to improve football development in schools and communities. Southern Province Education Officer Oliver Kambuli, in a speech read on his behalf by Provincial Education Standards Officer Harry Silungwe, noted that the partnership aligns with government’s goal of using sports to enhance learner participation, discipline, and career pathways, stressing that only licensed coaches will spearhead sports in schools. Meanwhile, FAZ Southern Province Chairperson Nicolas Momba said the programme addresses a critical gap at grassroots level, where most schools and clubs operate without qualified coaches. He added that FAZ has since introduced a school league to strengthen youth football structures.