A total of 35 local football Academy coaches have pledged to embark on detecting, developing and nurturing the country’s best young talents in their respective areas.

They made the pledge following the end of the FIFA grassroots football coaching course on Friday at Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA) headquarters in Remera.

The five-day course was initiated by the World football governing body in partnership with FERWAFA in a bid to develop youth football in the country.

Speaking to the media at the closing ceremony, Rashid Bakundakabo from Rubavu, who represented the other 34 coaches, noted that, "We are privileged to take part in this important coaching development course,” He explained that, when they go back to their respective areas, they will pass on the knowledge they have attained not only to players but also fellow coaches, who didn’t get the chance to attend the course.

FERWAFA’s assistant technical director, Jimmy Mulisa, who was also part of the participants, urged fellow coaches to be professional and disciplined, and ensure that they pass on the same attributes to young players whom they coach.

"The future of a strong and formidable Rwandan football foundation lies in our hands, so let’s work to ensure that we achieve our target,” added Mulisa.

The closing ceremony was attended by, among others, 200 youth players from St. Joseph primary school in Kicukiro district.

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