The Football Coach Education System in Botswana: Current Challenges and Future Directions

Abstract

The global increase in the quantity and availability of football coach education programmes is evident in the number of certified coaches. However, these programmes have been criticised for lacking relevant content and cultural competence, particularly within developing countries. The Botswana Football Association (BFA) was established in 1966, with its role to facilitate football in Botswana through coach education programmes, supporting grassroots football development, and monitoring leagues. However, like other football associations across Africa, the BFA relies heavily on the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) for support in providing coach education programmes. The primary purpose of this chapter is to critically assess the national and football coaching system in Botswana, guided by the historical landscape of football coach education both regionally and internationally. Furthermore, the chapter shares and examines the current challenges and future directions for coach education systems in Botswana. Lastly, football coach education models will be recommended that could be adopted to enable conducive and coordinated working relationships and partnerships across national sport associations, federations, universities, and other agencies to support coach development across the globe, specifically within less developed countries.