SAFA kick off search for Technical Director

FIFA's Ben Koufie says the assessment programme will include among others match analysis, presentation skills, game observation, man management skills, physical training methods for youths and senior players. “We are excited about the programme and the candidates are knowledgeable about the game and their experience will always be needed beyond this exercise in developing the game in South Africa and the continent,” says Koufie.

SAFA's Technical Committee Chairman, Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana, says the imminent appointment of a Technical Director is the first step towards implementing the long term development strategy which was crafted by South African Coaches in partnership with FIFA and CAF at a three day workshop convened by SAFA President, Dr Molefi Oliphant, at Vanderbijlpark in August 2008.

“The strategy encompasses a comprehensive youth development plan, a technical plan and women football development plan, the Technical Director will work closely with the Technical Committee to set up a Technical Department that will assist him to roll out the programmes in the 52 Regions of SAFA,” says Nonkonyana.

Chief Nonkonyana adds that SAFA has received an invitation from FIFA to attend a Development seminar in Botswana from 30 March to 1 April 2009. “FIFA is convening a Development Seminar for member Associations in the Continent, and they have specifically invited General Secretaries (CEO's) and Technical Directors for the seminar, we are on course to appoint a Technical Director and the timing of the FIFA Seminar is good enough to inaugurate our man.”

The program will end on the 19th March where the Coaching Instructors will compile a report for submission to Chief Nonkonyana; the report will be discussed at the Technical Committee Meeting before being presented to the National Executive Committee meeting of SAFA on 27 March 2009.