CRFA Sets CAF B License As Minimum Coaching Requirement for Chipiku League Teams

By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE – (FULL-TIME)

In order to enhance technical standards and professionalism, the Central Region Football Association (CRFA) has announced that all teams participating in the Chipiku Stores Premier Division League will be required to engage coaches holding a CAF B License or higher starting from the 2026 season.

CRFA General Secretary Antonio Manda made the announcement this week, emphasizing that the directive is part of the association’s broader vision to align with Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards for club management and player development.

“This new requirement is not just a formality—it is a statement of intent,” said Manda. “We want our league to be a fertile ground for top-level talent, and that begins with competent, qualified coaching. The CAF B License is the benchmark we believe can elevate our teams to the next level.”

The move comes after the successful implementation of a 2025 directive that required all teams to engage coaches with at least a CAF C License or an equivalent diploma. According to CRFA, compliance with that directive was largely positive, with several teams already going beyond the minimum and hiring CAF B and CAF A licensed coaches.

Manda noted that the transition to the CAF B requirement will give clubs sufficient time to prepare. “We are giving all teams over a year to plan, upskill, and invest in their technical departments. We are also working with FAM and CAF to organize more coaching courses within the region to help local coaches upgrade their credentials.”

The CRFA believes this move will not only improve match quality but also position the region as a serious contributor to Malawi’s footballing future by producing better-prepared players and tacticians.

“Our ultimate goal is to create a professional environment where talent is properly nurtured from the grassroots to the national stage,” Manda concluded.

The 2025 Chipiku Premier Division League is set to kick off on 31st May, with teams now also turning their attention to meeting the long-term coaching standard introduced by the CRFA.