FAZ Eastern, VFA Team Up to Transform Football Coaching
The Eastern Province Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and Virtual Futbol Academy (VFA) have officially signed a transformative partnership aimed at strengthening football development by empowering both elite and amateur coaches across the region.
The partnership, established on April 25, 2025, will introduce a Diploma Level-1 course in Football Coaching, focusing on both top-tier players and grassroots talent.
The agreement was signed by Eastern Province FAZ Chairperson Patrick Nyirenda and VFA President David Brown, initiating a significant partnership for football in the region.
Coaches who successfully complete each training period and meet the academic requirements will receive a diploma Level-1 certificate accredited by VFA from a Spanish university.
Nyirenda said this milestone does not only acknowledge their achievement but also raises the standard of coaching in Eastern Province to an internationally recognised level.
“The partnership reflects our deep commitment to upgrading football coaching in Eastern Province. Whether you’re an elite coach managing top players or an amateur coach passionate about youth development, this programme is designed to elevate your skills. We urge all serious coaches to embrace this opportunity — the future of our football depends on the quality of our coaching.”
Nyirenda highlighted the initiative as a significant milestone that will advance football development in the province.
“This collaboration also aims to enhance our technical capacity by equipping our coaches with the latest methodologies in Spanish football training. Through this partnership, our coaches will undergo comprehensive training programmes designed to build their expertise and prepare them to lead our players with advanced skills and techniques,” Nyirenda said.
VFA President David Brown stated that the partnership will provide coaches with modern tools and insights aligned with international standards, enhancing their coaching capabilities.
“At VFA, we believe that every coach, regardless of their starting point, deserves access to world-class education. Through this partnership, we are equipping coaches with modern tools and insights that align with international standards. Our goal is clear: to help coaches unlock their full potential and, in turn, nurture players who can shine locally and globally,” said Brown.
During the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), it was revealed that the course will be delivered online over two weeks and covers critical topics such as planning effective training sessions, mastering pre-season preparation, applying offensive and defensive tactical principles, developing player mental strength, and managing team formations effectively.
Provincial FAZ technical director Ezekiel Siamalambo emphasized the importance of elevating coaching standards.
Applications for this training are currently open, but due to high demand and limited capacity, only a limited number of slots are available.
Interested coaches must apply early to secure a place.
