'Game to prosper across Africa': Nations hail coach and MO courses

A total of 38 level 1 and 24 level 2 coaches, together with 27 level 1 and 14 level 2 match officials have qualified in Africa, after International Rugby League tutors Martin Crick and Phil Smith spent five days in each of Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria running courses.

In addition, three new regional accredited level 1 coach tutors – Gaby Hadad (Lebanon), Stephanus Bredenhann and Nico Serfontein (both South Africa) – will be able to take on those educational roles, with Ghana’s Jafaru Mustapha expected to join them.

“Energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn were the hallmarks of the recent technical education project in Africa,” said Crick, a veteran of running such coaching courses throughout the world. “The aim was to further the progress of rugby league in those countries by increasing the number of qualified coaches and thus increase both the numbers and quality of the player pool.”

He added: “Coaches, many of whom had travelled considerable distances to attend, worked hard to increase their knowledge and skills in a very supportive environment. If these courses are anything to go by then the future looks bright indeed for the sport in the region.”

Madame Juliana Storey, president of the Rugby League Federation Ghana, noted: “These coaches and match officials courses form such an integral part of the Africa Project with International Rugby League. They are an invaluable resource, the RLFG is most appreciative of this programme and embraces the value it adds to the development of the game on the continent.”

Photo: Nigeria is one of the African countries set to benefit from the upskilling of coaches and match officials. 

“The completion of the IRL technical courses is a significant milestone for rugby league in Nigeria,” added Nigerian Rugby League Association general manager Isah Lawal-Saulawa. “This will undoubtedly raise the standard of play and development across the nation, equipping our coaches and officials with the skills to nurture talent and deliver top-quality rugby.”

Kenya RLF director of rugby, John Mbai, confirmed: “The courses have had a very positive impact. Those who have been trained to be educators will now be in a position to up-skill other coaches and referees at faster rate annually.”

“I'd like to congratulate all three countries on hosting us for this ground-breaking trip,” said match officials tutor Smith. “I sensed a real commitment and willingness of each to want to learn, progress and co-operate together as match officials to see the game grow and prosper across all of Africa. Their knowledge and experience is now evident for producing quality match officials to service their games.”