Courtesy: The Swazi Observer


‘FUTSAL good for development’

15 November, 2011

by Ashmond Nzima

SOCCER - MOZAMBIQUE based FIFA instructor Asselam Khan is convinced that the Futsal refereeing and coaching course will play a critical role in developing the standard of local football.
Futsal can simple be defined as football played on a smaller pitch, mainly indoors. Speaking during the official opening of the four-day course at the Technical Centre in Lobamba, the respected Futsal instructor highlighted that most people in the country would embrace the programme if the participants would put their knowledge into practice. Participants include active football coaches, referees and sport teachers of both sexes.
“I am happy with the interest shown by the participants. The course is good for the development of the game,” he said.
Khan’s words were echoed by his counterpart Vic Hermans from Holland who handles the coaching classes. He challenged the participants to spread their knowledge throughout the country. He felt the programme was implementable to all players, both young and old.
“This is a base for developing good footballers. Swazis should just believe in the project for it to be a success. We are hoping to see a lot of the teams in the country playing Futsal football,” he said.
The course was officially opened by National Football Association of Swaziland President Adam ‘Bomber’ Mthethwa. Also present was NFAS’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frederick Mngomezulu. The closing ceremony is expected to be staged at the same venue on Friday. The participants will be furnished with certificates of participation.


‘Foreman’, ‘Botsotso’ among the participants
SOCCER - FORMER Sihlangu caretaker coach Obed ‘Foreman Power’ Mlotsa and new Black Swallows coach Zweli ‘Botsotso’ Khoza have joined over 20 coaches in the ongoing Futsal course in Lobamba.
At least 25 coaches and over 20 referees had registered for the classes by yesterday. National Football Association of Swaziland Technical Director Boy ‘Bizzah’ Mkhonta said most of the participants were sports teachers as schools would be used to pilot the project. He said it would then be implemented in the other levels which include active and social teams.
“I am impressed with the attendance although I am disappointed that others had promised to come but never showed up,” he said briefly.
Other notable faces in the classes are Swaziland Schools Sports Association President Phumuza Ntshangase, Manzini Wanderers Head of Development Christian Thwala and Women Football Committee Secretary Sibongile Skaggel.


Bring it on - ‘No Problem’
SOCCER - FORMER Manzini Regional Football Association chairman Bheki ‘No Problem’ Mkhonta says he cannot wait for the full implementation of the Futsal programme in the country.
Mkhonta, who doubles as Mtsambama Member of Parliament, is among the participants of the Futsal refereeing course that kicked-off at the Technical Centre in Lobamba yesterday.
The course runs concurrently with that of coaches. He challenged the local football mother body to hasten implementation of the programme.
In an interview, he said he joined the course as a follow-up to the one he enrolled for in Mozambique four years ago.
“I would like to see the programme implemented in the country very soon. I also joined to broaden my knowledge in the field because I once did almost a similar a course in 2007. With FIFA instructors on board, I am hoping to be equipped with new Laws of the Game during the course,” he said.




Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com