Osun FA to organise refresher course for coaches, targets CAF D certification

Osun FA to organise refresher course for coaches, targets CAF D certification

The Osun State Football Association (OSFA) is set to organise a comprehensive refresher course for coaches across the state, with particular emphasis on CAF D Coaching Certification, as part of its renewed drive to improve the quality of coaching and strengthen football development at the grassroots.

Speaking on Saturday in Abuja, Chairman of the Osun State Football Association, Mr. Sola Fanawopo, said the initiative was aimed at exposing coaches to modern coaching methods and ensuring that they acquire the required knowledge and qualifications to contribute effectively to the development of young footballers.

Fanawopo stressed that coaching education must remain a priority if Osun State is to continue producing talented players capable of progressing through the football development pathway.

According to him, the refresher programme will provide an opportunity for coaches to update their knowledge, understand the modern demands of the game and, importantly, prepare for the CAF D Coaching Certification, which provides an important foundation for coaches working at grassroots and introductory levels.

“Coaches play a major role in the development of football, and that is why we must give them refresher courses to ensure they are in line with the present rudiments of the game across the world,” Fanawopo said.

The OSFA chairman noted that football has evolved considerably, with new approaches to player development, technical instruction, tactical understanding, safeguarding and coaching methodology becoming increasingly important.

He explained that the association does not want coaches in Osun to be left behind, particularly at a time when structured coaching education is becoming increasingly important across African football.

Fanawopo said the association would encourage coaches who do not yet possess recognised coaching qualifications to take advantage of the programme and work towards obtaining the CAF D Licence, while those already certified would also benefit from continuous professional development.

He added that properly trained coaches are essential to identifying, nurturing and developing young talents at the grassroots, stressing that the quality of instruction received by players at an early age can have a major impact on their future careers.

The refresher course is therefore expected to form part of a broader technical development programme by the Osun FA aimed at strengthening the coaching structure across the state and creating a better pathway for young players.

Fanawopo further expressed optimism that investment in coaching education would eventually translate into improved player development, stronger grassroots football structures and greater opportunities for Osun-born footballers to progress to higher levels.

The OSFA Chairman reiterated the association's commitment to working with relevant football bodies and qualified instructors to ensure that coaches in the state are equipped with the knowledge and certification required to meet the modern standards of the game.

For Osun FA, the message is clear: develop the coaches, improve the players and build the future of football from the grassroots.