LeFA empower young coaches, referees
The Lesotho Football Association has collaborated with DIFA Berea to hold a nine-day coaching and referees introductory course covering three zones in the Berea district.
The course which started on Monday is being conducted by LeFA Education Officer Lehlohonolo Thotanyana and Referees Instructor Pita Mohlaoli and will take three days in each of the three zones being-Mapoteng, Teyateyaneng and Sefikeng.
The LeFA Education Officer stated that the introductory courses are designed to empower young coaches with the passion and ambition to develop their careers and will at a later stage be enrolled in the CAF D license coaching course.
“The objective of these coaching clinics is to empower young coaches based on findings made by the Technical Director and his team after consultations with their members in the respective district,” Thotanyana said.
“We felt the best way to go about it is by going to our zones through talent identification of young coaches, who will be given a chance to do the CAF D license coaching course and we have already started with that process.”
Thotanyana also stated that their department is aware of the need to assist young coaches working on grassroots and youth development football but lacking the skills to do the job properly.
“Looking at youth football, we are aware that most of these coaches working on youth football have time and are dedicated to their work, but most of them lack the education part, which works against them in many aspects,” The LeFA education officer stated.
“This course is meant to bridge that gap and improve their coaching and football knowledge in general. We will also give them more opportunities to improve their knowledge and qualifications as coaches.
“It is important to look for young talented coaches and referees within our regions and give them the education that will help their development and growth. That will help us as the Association and country to have a big pool of well-trained coaches and referees,” he said.
Thotanyana indicated that the LeFA education unit’s main objective is to develop Lesotho coaches to be able to accelerate development efforts country wide. Similar courses are expected to take place throughout the year in the other districts.