Four Kenyan coaches are edging closer to getting an opportunity to train at London based Arsenal FC.
This is after the coaches were shortlisted for its World Remit and Arsenal’s Future Stars programme. The young Kenyan tacticians made it to the shortlist that consists of 20 coaches, 16 of which are from Africa.
Three of the Kenyan coaches that made the shortlist are women hence taking the biggest chunk of female coaches in Africa who made the list. Eight female coaches made the list while the rest are male.
Feisal Abdi Hassan coaches in Nairobi is the only male coach in Kenya who was selected. The rest include Beldine Lilian Achieng Odemba of Kariobangi Sharks Academy in Nairobi, Susan Wanjiru Njoki of Kahawa Sportive Soccer Academy in Nairobi and Everline Achieng Onyango from Mukuru Starlets in Nairobi.
A panel of judges from WorldRemit and Arsenal Football Development reviewed the applications and selected 20 semi-finalists based on specific criteria.
Among other criteria, the panel of judges was looking at the commitment of the coach to improving the lives of their community, the impact the coach has had on young people within their community, and the strength of the coach’s proposal to pass on their training on their return home.
In recognition of their commitment to using football to bring their communities together, the 20 semi-finalists will receive Arsenal shirts for their youth squad. From the 20 semi-finalists, the judging panel will select eight coaches – four male and four female – as finalists.
The Programme was free to apply for and open to youth team (under 16s) coaches from across Africa and the Americas. WorldRemit will sponsor two winners, one male and one female, to fly to London for a personalised coaching programme with Arsenal Football Development coaches.
The Future Stars programme is now on its second edition after last year’s version exceeded expectations. It was developed by WorldRemit and Arsenal to celebrate the positive impact that grassroots youth football coaches have on their communities.
Simon McManus, Head Coach at Arsenal Football Development said that the initiative is a move to recognise coaches from around the globe and uplift the game.
“We have one of the most successful women’s sides in the world and are committed to encouraging greater participation in the sport among women. Through this edition of Future Stars, we hope to further amplify the positive impact that female coaches have on their communities,” McManus added.
Coaches in the Future Stars shortlist from Africa
Nigeria
Uzoma Kingsley Akanador, Coach at Unity International Charity Organisation in Lagos.
Ademilokun Oluwaseun David, Coach at XPR Football in Lagos.
Chinasa Ukanda, Coach at Help The Talent Academy in Lagos.
Towobola Grace Iyanuoluwa, Head Coach at Hostel Football Team and Assistant Coach at CityBoys Football Club in Ibadan.
Modupe Marilyn Jiwalde Pusmut, Coach at Future Stars FC Sabon Barki in Jos.
Kenya
Feisal Abdi Hassan, Coach in Nairobi
Beldine Lilian Achieng Odemba, Coach at Kariobangi Sharks Academy in Nairobi.
Susan Wanjiru Njoki, Coach at Kahawa Sportive Soccer Academy in Nairobi.
Everline Achieng Onyango, Coach at Mukuru Starlets in Nairobi.
Ghana
Samuel Taylor, Coach at EM Sporting Club, Accra
Alhassan Iddi Manzah, Coach at Northern Women’s Football Clubs Association in Tamale-Dalun
Uganda
Bakit Isaac Agogo, Coach at Watoto Sports Academy in Gulu.
Andrew Amanya, Coach at Kigezi Soccer Academy in Kabale.
Nabisenke Joan, Coach in Kampala
Zimbabwe
Titus Tongesai Sanagurai, Coach at Big Stuff Youth Soccer Academy in Harare.
Winnet Muranganwa, Coach at Zengeza Busters Soccer Academy in Chitungwiza.
