WOMEN’S INTERMEDIETE COACHING COURSE CONCLUDES WITH STRONG FOCUS ON ADVANCING GIRLS’ FOOTBALL
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA), in partnership with FIFA, has successfully concluded the Women’s Intermediate Coaching Course at the Lobamba Technical Centre, marking another important step in the development of women’s football in Eswatini.
The week-long course, which ran from 21 to 28 June 2026, brought together 22 coaches from the EFA/FIFA Under-19 Girls Schools Development League and the CAF African Schools Football Championship Under-15 Programme. The initiative was aimed at strengthening coaching capacity within school football structures and forms part of FIFA’s launched Women’s Football Development Campaign, which seeks to increase the number of women players and qualified women coaches while improving the overall quality of the women’s game.
Throughout the programme, participants were exposed to advanced coaching methodologies, player development principles, the Laws of the Game, and safeguarding practices. Special emphasis was placed on creating safe, inclusive, and supportive environments for girls participating in football. The course was facilitated by EFA Technical Director Mr.Bhekisisa Mkhonta and EFA Coaching Instructor Musa Mamba, who guided participants through a combination of classroom sessions and practical field-based learning.
The final phase of the course saw participants undergo comprehensive assessments, including oral examinations and practical coaching evaluations on Saturday, followed by a written theory examination on Sunday morning.
Officially closing the course, EFA Executive Committee Member Mr. Aaron Mavimbela commended both the instructors and participants for their commitment, resilience, and cooperation throughout the demanding programme.
“This has been an intensive week that required both physical and mental endurance. We are proud of the dedication shown by all participants, who remained committed despite the long and challenging days,” said Mavimbela.
He encouraged the coaches to return to their respective schools and communities ready to implement the knowledge and skills they had acquired, emphasizing that the true success of the course would be reflected in the development of the next generation of female footballers.
Mavimbela further highlighted the positive results already emerging from the Association’s investment in women’s football development, citing the recent success of the FIFA/EFA Under-19 School Girls Development Programme Pick Team, which was crowned women’s champions during the EFA Technical Development Scheme Games held on 20 June 2026.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, EFA Women’s Football Development Officer Ms. Sbongile Skaggel praised the participants for their dedication and enthusiasm throughout the week.
“The commitment and positive attitude displayed by the coaches have been truly inspiring. Their willingness to dedicate themselves fully to this programme demonstrates their passion for football and their desire to make a meaningful contribution to the growth of the women’s game,” she said.
Skaggel also expressed her gratitude to FIFA for its continued investment in women’s football development, noting that such opportunities would not be possible without its unwavering support. She further thanked the Eswatini Football Association for ensuring the successful delivery of the programme.
On behalf of the participants, Ms. Nokhwezi Dlamini described the course as a transformative and enriching experience that had equipped them with valuable knowledge and practical skills.
“This course has made us better educators and better coaches. We are leaving here inspired and ready to apply what we have learned to nurture young girls and contribute to raising the standard of girls’ football in our schools and communities,” said Dlamini.
She also acknowledged the challenges and stigma that still exist within women’s football but expressed confidence that the growing number of qualified female coaches would inspire more young girls to take up the sport and help drive the continued growth of women’s football in Eswatini.
The successful completion of the Women’s Intermediate Coaching Course reflects the EFA and FIFA’s ongoing commitment to developing qualified coaches, expanding opportunities for girls, and building a stronger foundation for the future of women’s football in Eswatini.