The Confederation Africaine de Football (“CAF”) has successfully launched a CAF D License Coaching Programme for Women’s Football in the Democratic Republic of Congo this week.
The exciting initiative forms part of CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe’s 2021 – 2025 action plan which has a strong focus on the development of Women and Youth Football across urban and rural parts of Africa.
The Week-long course was officially launched by CAF General Secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba.
It aims to give Women’s Football in the Congo a shot in the arm.
CAF’s highly experienced coaching instructors, including Lamia Boumedhi and Ludovic Debru are amongst some of the names driving the Programme.
The programme, which is attended by 30 aspirant coaches from Kwilu-Ngongo in Kongo-Central is CAF initiative conducted in close partnership with the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA).
Speaking at the opening day in Kwilu-Ngongo, Mosengo-Omba said: For Women’s Football to reach its potential in Africa and for standards of professionalism to improve, it is essential that we invest in the development of players and more importantly coaches. The course is also supported by UEFA who through the donation of equipment, is the first part of a series which will ensure the growth of local women’s football.”
Mosengo-Omba made special mention of Kwilu Foot Academy that has been spear-heading the advancement of Women’s Football in the area.
“We have noted the efforts by Kwilu Foot Academy throughout the region and as CAF, we are keen to support such efforts to promote women’s football,” he added.
In addition to the course, CAF distributed 150 balls to communities in and around the Kongo-Central region, which include Muanda, Boma, Matadi, Songololo, Kimpese, Lukala, Mbanza-Ngungu, and Lufu-Toto. This was in addition to the playing equipment, kits, and soccer boots donated.
Through its support from the Kwilu-Ngongo Sugar Company, the Kwilu Football academy contributes significantly to the development of women’s football in the region with a fully-fledged sports and studies training center.
In thanking CAF for their extensive efforts, the General Manager of the Kwilu-Ngongo, Patrick de Maroussem said: “Our vision through our Kwilu Foot department is to help youth through football across the Democratic Republic of Congo. The support of CAF is a validation of the work carried out by Diego La Croix [Manager of Kwilu Foot] and his team. We also hope to inspire other companies in DR Congo and Africa to do the same” , concluded Maroussem.
The programme also includes a CAF C License coaching course which concludes on 13 March.