The NFA hosted its inaugural graduation ceremony in the Windhoek, celebrating the achievement of 14 elite Namibian coaches.

Namibia's football fraternity today honoured 14 top-level coaches who successfully completed their CAF-A Licence refresher course.

The week-long course was conducted by the NFA in line with CAF regulations and standards, further advancing the professionalism of coaching in Namibia.

Chief Administrator of the Sport Commission, Freddy Mwiya, praised the coaches, calling them the first group in Namibia to achieve the esteemed CAF A Diploma.

"Their success establishes a new benchmark for coaching excellence in Namibia. This achievement not only reflects their personal dedication but also the progress we've made in raising our coaching education standards."

NFA Executive Member Michael Sidute emphasised the importance of the CAF-A Diploma, stating:

"This certification opens doors to the pinnacle of African football. It is a vital qualification set by CAF for coaches to lead teams in high-profile tournaments, including the CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup, AFCON Qualifiers, and AFCON Finals."

The nbc Sport spoke with NFA Technical Director, Ms. Jacqueline Shipanga, the only female graduate in this group, as well as with Gerald Gunther, the coach of the men's U17 team, on what this milestone means to them.

The graduation ceremony marks a significant step forward for Namibian football, setting a precedent for future coaching standards and ensuring that local coaches are equipped to compete at the highest level in African football.

The NFA, in collaboration with CAF, continues to prioritise the development of coaches, which will inevitably translate into stronger national teams and more competitive performances on the continent.