On Wednesday 14th December, the Somalia Football Federation in partnership with the World football governing body FIFA concluded a five-day grassroots program at the National Technical Center, Mogadishu.
Under the instruction of FIFA instructor Ulric Mathiot from Seychelles, 21 coaches attended the course intended to equip them with various training techniques specially suitable for children.
Recently appointed Somalia national football team coach, Haruna Mawa was left pleased with the program, and hailed the federation saying they are on a ‘right track.’
Mawa formerly at SCVU said: “It’s a very good thing. When I took over, one of the things we talked about was training as many coaches. Somalia has abundantly talented young players who need to develop but there are no coaches to do that.
“There are less than 10 coaches with CAF C, B, A here.
“I think they are on a right track by doing this. If they continue with the FIFA refreshers courses to maintain the standards, maybe five years from now, they should be having at least a total of 500 qualified coaches.”
Since taking up the Somalis job last month, Mawa hasn’t tested his charges against any country, but has played local friendlies against local clubs.
He beat Cadika FC, a club in the Somalis top division 2-1 in his first game in charge of the Ocean Stars, before winning his second game against Mogadishu United 5-1 on Tuesday.
Somalia is ranked 205 in the FIFA ranking.