Debmarine premiership-winning coach Mervin Mbakera is in South Africa, pursuing his CAF A licence with senior national team head coach, Collin Benjamin. The two Namibian coaches will rub shoulders with some of the continent’s top football figures, including former Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena, Chippa United head coach and former SuperSport United playmaker Kurt Lentjies, and Zambia’s technical director Lyson Zulu.

The CAF A licence, regarded as one of the highest coaching qualifications on the continent, commenced this month and will run in phase until next year. The first phase of the coaching clinic started yesterday and will end on 16 September.   The second phase will take place from 6 to 13 October, followed by the third phase in late November, while the final phase is scheduled for 23-30 March 2026. Entry fees for the course are N$40 000 per person.

Reflecting on the journey, Mbakera, who guided African Stars to the Premiership title, said the process has been tough and demanding, but he believes he is edging closer to realising his dream of leading a team to CAF Champions League glory one day.

“It’s been a long and challenging journey, but with this milestone I feel closer to my dream of winning the CAF Champions League one day,” he said.

Mbakera also acknowledged certain individuals who made his participation possible.  “I want to thank the Namibia Sports Commission through CEO Freddy Mwiya, the Namibia Football Association, especially the technical department under the leadership of Jacqueline Shipanga, Tigers FC, Motty Ndjavera, and not forgetting Patrick Kauta, who planted this seed when he fully covered my CAF B diploma in Zambia,” he said.

He added that every step of this journey represents not just personal growth but a step forward for Namibian football. “The dream of winning the Champions League is getting closer with this milestone CAF A diploma course,” Mbakera added. 

-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na