BY TERRY MADYAUTA LOCAL football coaches together with their counterparts in the Cosafa region are set to benefit from Spanish La Liga developmental experts in a series of virtual engagements starting today. Both male and female coaches have been drafted into the training programme to enhance their skills as La Liga step up their partnership with Cosafa which was formalised last year. The masterclass sessions aimed at both grassroots and professional coaches will be conducted by Juan Florit, head of La Liga football programmes, and Saúl Vázquez Chas, La Liga senior specialist in football projects development. In this one, Zimbabwe will be represented by Triangle coach Taurai Mangwiro, Mighty Warriors mentor Sithethelwe Sibanda, Irene Mwanza, Dynamos’ Tonderai Ndiraya together with Zifa technical director Wilson Mutekede. Philani “Beefy” Ncube, Dorothy Nyagonda and John Nyikadzino are also set to attend sessions for professional coaches at club level. Zifa technical director Wilson Mutekede told NewsDay Sport yesterday that the sessions were meant to enhance capacity-building for all local coaches. “Recently, Cosafa has done well in partnerships, which have benefitted even players. During the Cosafa tournament last year, top performers were selected to go for training in Spain,”he said. “For this one, it’s mainly capacity-building for coaches. There is a criteria we follow when selecting the coaches, but it is our hope that everyone benefits in the long run.” The first two sessions will be held on April 21 and May 5, focusing on training methodology. Professional coaches are also set to be included on April 28 and May 12, with the main focus of preparing them for international competitions and the development of grassroots squads. “We are delighted that La Liga will share their expertise with our coaches across the region and recognise that this is a magnificent opportunity for those taking part to learn from the very best,” said Cosafa secretary-general Sue Destombes. “When we signed our partnership agreement with La Liga in 2020, one of our major focuses was the development of our coaches. “The quality of coaching does directly impact the calibre of players you will produce. The goal of all of us in the southern African region is to develop world-class players in men’s and women’s football.” Follow Terry on Twitter @madyautatpm
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