The Liberia Football Association is at the cutting edge of what is best practice in a new era for football education, given its successful completion of the nation’s maiden Match/Video Analysis Course, followed up with the ongoing prestigious CAF License A Coaching Course. These two activities showcase unmatched passion and commitment by Liberia to develop its coaches in order to give the needed life to football back home.

Match/Video Analysis Course: Equipping Coaches with Advanced Tools

The LFA recently concluded its first-ever Match/Video Analysis Course at its headquarters in Congo Town, bringing together 27 participants eager to sharpen their coaching and analytical skills. This two-day program introduced innovative methods to enhance team performance through tactical and player performance analysis.

Course Highlights:

• Expert Guidance: The sessions were led by CAF guest instructor Amsalu Fantahun, a decorated coach recognized as the NCAA Division II PacWest Conference’s NCCAA West Region Coach of the Year.
• Practical Insights: Participants developed a deeper understanding of tactical breakdowns, player performance evaluation, and the role of video analysis in modern coaching.
• Hybrid Approach: The course was a combination of online sessions through Zoom and in-person training, which guaranteed an all-round learning experience.

LFA President Mustapha Raji praised the program’s success, saying:

“This groundbreaking course sets the stage for continuous development. Our goal is to empower local coaches with the knowledge and skills to independently conduct similar training in the future.”

CAF License A Coaching Course: Setting New Standards in African Football

On December 13, 2024, Liberia marked a significant milestone with the launch of the CAF License A Coaching Course. This prestigious program, hosted in Monrovia, brought together 17 participants, including four international coaches from Zambia and The Gambia.

Key Features of the CAF License A Course:

• Elite Certification: The CAF License A is among the most respected coaching qualifications in African football, equipping participants with advanced tactical, technical, and leadership skills.
• Renewed Opportunity: Liberia, for the first time since 2014, has been able to meet the rigid requirements toward holding such a course and, as such, has been leading in football development.
• Diverse Participation: The program is one that allows international and local coaches to collaborate and share knowledge, creating value in learning for all participants.

This is an initiative toward reinforcing LFA’s commitment to fostering top coaches who will take its national and international teams toward the path of victory.

Why the CAF License A Matters

The CAF License A is more than just a license; it’s a path to excellence for the coaches who wish to aspire to the pinnacle of African football. The curriculum covers essential areas such as:

• Tactical Acumen: Advanced strategies for game planning and execution.
• Technical Skills: Hands-on techniques to elevate team performance.
• Leadership Development: Building the capacity to inspire and manage teams effectively.

By hosting this program, Liberia joins a select group of member associations authorized to conduct this elite training, showcasing its commitment to fostering top-tier coaching talent.

Building the Future of Liberian Football

The successful rollout of the Match/Video Analysis Course and the CAF License A Coaching Course highlights LFA’s strategic vision for football development. These programs align with global best practices, ensuring that Liberian coaches remain competitive on the international stage.

These initiatives also tend to reveal an ambition by Liberia to be a hub for football education on the continent of Africa. With more and more local coaches attaining advanced certifications, the ripple effect will build higher-quality coaching throughout the levels of the game.

A Collaborative Effort for Lasting Impact

The combined efforts of CAF, international experts like Amsalu Fantahun, and LFA’s leadership are driving these transformative programs. The impact extends beyond individual participants, as the knowledge gained will benefit teams, clubs, and the broader football ecosystem in Liberia.

A Bright Future for Liberian Football

Thus, with such an implementation of courses, Liberia’s Football Association stands to lay the building blocks for sustained growth and long-term success in both coaching and the performances within football. These are courses that are not intended for solving problems experienced today but also take in those yet to be faced sometime in the future. With increased emphasis on advanced training and quality education, Liberia is positioning itself among the leaders in the quest for African football development.

The CAF License A and the Match/Video Analysis Course are pivotal steps in creating a legacy of excellence. Through these initiatives, Liberian football is poised to achieve new heights, fostering a culture of innovation, expertise, and success.