A FIFA-backed Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) coaching instructors’ course currently underway at the football association’s head office, Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena, in Maseru has reached its final assessment stage.

The eight-day drilling is planned to identify 13 national coaching instructors, and is facilitated by Confederation of African Football (CAF) external instructor Steve Coetzee. 

The course, which started on Monday April 12, is expected to end on April 19 with all participants being elevated to become instructors - this is the final phase of the FIFA course which started in February 2020.   

Speaking at its opening ceremony, Coetzee observed that the participants have previously been players and coaches – commending their decision to now become mentors to other aspiring coaches.  

“It has been a year since you attended the first phase of the course. This course is about earning better knowledge on what you have as we are here to share knowledge, and I am here to learn from you too,” he commented.

Coetzee further said his job is to spend the eight days with the coaches to share knowledge and impart to them extra awareness in relating to the work they are trained for, adding he will then evaluate them and send feedback to CAF.

He noted that the course is equivalent to similar trainings held in other parts of the African continent.

For his part, LeFA Deputy Secretary General, Chris Bullock, said the participants have been earmarked to educate coaches countrywide.

He expressed his contentment that participants include three women.

“I am delighted that we have three females among us. From now on, you will be educating thousands of coaches in the country and I wish you good luck,” he said.

LeFA First Vice President, Khiba Mohoanyane, said as the course is attended by elite coaches, this should be a turning point as Lesotho has been regarded as minor in football circles.

“We have been regarded as minnows in football circles and this should change, and it is through you that it can change. Let this workshop mark history.

“I have always been confused whether or not we have a style of play as a country. With proper coaching guidance from as early as the development stages, this will help us a lot even in the national teams,” Khiba noted.

LeFA Coaches Education Officer, Lehlohonolo Thotanyana, told Metro that even though the course started with 17 participants only 13 managed to make it to the final phase.

“Seephephe Matete and I were part of this course when it started but we withdrew,” he noted.