Eastern region coaches urged to set ambitious career goals

Football coaches under the Eastern Region League Football Association (ERLFA) have been encouraged to set ambitious career goals and embrace continuous learning to elevate the sport in Uganda.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of a five-day CAF D Coaching Course held at Mbale Stadium, ERLFA Chairperson Issa Musiwa emphasized the importance of determination and long-term planning in the coaching profession.

“As a federation, we have embarked on capacity-building because we know it’s the only way we can change the face of football in Uganda,” Musiwa said.

The course, fully funded by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and certified by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), attracted 35 participants. Musiwa urged coaches not to treat the training as a mere formality for certification, but to actively share the knowledge gained.

“Many of you are focused on obtaining certificates, but forget to pass on this valuable knowledge to others,” he noted. “Football is lived by many, but few understand the technicalities required to manage and develop it effectively. That’s why we’re starting with you—the coaches.”

FUFA Coach Instructor John Michael Erebu praised the participants for their commitment throughout the course.

“All 35 participants were fully engaged, which is very encouraging,” Erebu said. “It shows that FUFA’s mission to become Africa’s leading footballing nation—on and off the pitch—is within reach.”

Erebu added that FUFA President Moses Magogo had directed coaches to undergo training to strengthen grassroots and school-level football programs. He called on club owners and school administrators to prioritize hiring qualified coaches capable of handling diverse challenges.

National FUFA delegate Latifu Mafuko, who also serves as president of Kataka FC, stressed the importance of discipline in coaching.

“Discipline is key to success,” Mafuko said. “Many coaches fail due to indiscipline. As leaders, you must set the example—on and off the field.”

He congratulated the participants on completing the course and urged them to apply their new skills with confidence.

“My humble appeal is that we show the world we’ve been empowered—both technically and tactically,” Mafuko said.

The CAF D Coaching Course is designed to equip aspiring coaches with foundational skills in grassroots football, emphasizing basic coaching principles and youth development. Upon completion, participants receive entry-level certification, enabling them to work with youth and amateur teams, nurture emerging talent, and lay the groundwork for future football success.