Playtime coaches step up their game
Football
A large group of soccer coaches benefitted from international coaching sessions presented at the coast.
Playtime Namibia, in partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Namibia Football Association (NFA), and the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA), hosted an international football training programme at the Atlantis Sports Club in Walvis Bay.Thirty-one coaches from various regions attended the sessions, which took place on 7 and 9 October. The training sessions also attracted approximately 250 children (girls and boys) aged between 3 and 17 years. Seven Playtime coaches, aspiring coaches, and teachers from various regions participated in the courses. At its conclusion, participants earned the internationally recognised CAF "D" coaching certification, marking a significant milestone for football coaching in Namibia.
The coaching sessions, led by instructor Timothy Tjongarero from the Ministry of Sports, Education and Culture, formed part of a comprehensive week-long (6-11 October) coaching course designed to provide both theoretical and practical training for coaching staff.
“The majority of attendees were women, aligning with the programme and Playtime Namibia’s objective to empower and increase the participation of women in football coaching roles. Notably, this is the first time CAF 'D' certification courses have been conducted in Namibia, making the newly accredited coaches the country’s pioneers in achieving this qualification,” commented Oswaldo dos Santos, Head Coach and Instructor of Playtime Atlantis Walvis Bay.
According to Dos Santos, this reflects Playtime Namibia’s commitment to advancing youth sports development. “This collaboration with CAF and other partners was a unique opportunity to refine coaching approaches and positively impact youth development. These sessions continue to set new standards for collaboration and growth in the coastal and national youth sporting communities. It also provided an invaluable platform for coaches to exchange ideas, methodologies, and best practices in football training philosophy and techniques.”
Dos Santos extended his heartfelt appreciation to the NFA delegation, the Ministry of Sports, Education and Culture, COSAFA, CAF, participating coaches, and the parents and players who made the week a resounding success. “Thank you to the South African contingent, who were instrumental as the driving force behind the week’s activities. This collaborative effort is another step forward in Playtime Namibia’s mission to develop youth sports and foster an inclusive and dynamic football culture within the country,” he concluded.