FKF Sets September Start for New CAF A Course

FKF Football Development Director Francis Kimanzi confirmed the plans at KCB Ruaraka Grounds following the conclusion of a week-long CAF A refresher workshop.

The federation is, however, facing a major selection challenge after receiving more than 100 applications for a course limited to only 25 participants.

According to Kimanzi, CAF regulations restrict each CAF A class to 25 coaches because of the intensity and quality standards required during the six-and-a-half-month programme.

Three of those places will be reserved for foreign coaches under CAF’s cross-border development programme, leaving only 22 slots available for Kenyan applicants.

The demand is very high,” Kimanzi said, noting that the previous CAF A course conducted in Kenya was held during the 2023-24 season and involved 25 coaches.

The latest programme comes as FKF prepares to strengthen implementation of CAF club licensing requirements for teams competing in the FKF Premier League.

Under the planned regulations, head coaches working in the country’s top flight will eventually be required to hold a valid CAF A coaching diploma.

Kimanzi confirmed that the policy has already been approved and ratified by the FKF National Executive Committee.

The federation will, however, introduce the requirements gradually rather than immediately sanction clubs whose coaches do not meet the new standard.

Kimanzi said FKF intends to provide clubs and coaches with a grace period and transition window that will be incorporated into competition regulations.

The approach is intended to give teams enough time to comply while ensuring the federation moves towards full implementation of the licensing framework.

Applicants seeking places in the September CAF A course must already hold a CAF B licence and have at least two to three years of active coaching experience.

The recently completed refresher programme was aimed at validating and renewing the qualifications of existing coaches working in the country’s leading competitions.

The programme included coaches from both the men’s and women’s top-flight leagues, with FKF stressing that its coach education initiatives remain open to both sections of the game.

The federation views improved coaching education as a key component of raising the overall quality of Kenyan football.

By increasing the number of properly licensed coaches and tightening technical requirements at club level, FKF hopes to improve player development, tactical standards and competitiveness from domestic football through to continental competition.

The September course will therefore form part of a wider effort to build a stronger pool of qualified Kenyan coaches while preparing clubs for stricter licensing requirements in the coming seasons.