Thursday, December 19, 2024, marked a proud moment as 30 coaches celebrated their graduation from the CAF C Coaching Course at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE). The graduation celebrated the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in coaching.
The cohort included notable names who have made significant contributions to Kenyan football. Former Gor Mahia players Edwin Lavatsa and Ali Abondo added coaching qualifications to their storied careers. Joining them were Paul Ochieng of Mathare United and Warambo Bethwell of KCB and Ruiru Hotstars coach Gabriel (Kingi) Njoroge further highlighting the program’s draw for seasoned football figures.
Expressing his excitement about this new chapter, Edwin Lavatsa said, “Football has given me so much, and now I want to give back by nurturing the next generation of players. This program has equipped me with the knowledge and tools I need to make a real impact.” Ali Abondo echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of structured training to elevate Kenyan football.
The graduation represents a significant step toward strengthening the game’s foundation in Kenya. It reflects the growing recognition of coaching as a critical aspect of football development and the need for skilled professionals to lead teams to greater success.
Technical Director Michael Amenga speaking during the event stated, “Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is committed to fostering coaching development by ensuring the seamless adherence to the coaching pathway provided by CAF.”
The month-long course was conducted by CAF instructors George Mwangi and Musa Otieno, who played a pivotal role in preparing the graduates for the challenges ahead.