After securing a position at FIFA, South African coach Thabo Senong has shared insights into his responsibilities and tasks.
Thabo Senong was appointed as a FIFA Talent Coach in September 2024, and has been tasked with helping the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) with its youth development.
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"I am very humbled and grateful. The reception from both FAM (Football Association Malawi) and FIFA has been good, and I am looking forward to the challenge," the 44-year-old told CAFOnline.
"I am assigned as a FIFA talent coach under the TDS (Technical Development Scheme) programme of Football Association Malawi.
"FIFA have partnered with Members Associations globally to assist them to achieve their football potential in youth development.
"To do this, FIFA has a unique and exciting programme that aims to assist countries to give every youth talent a chance, to training the best young talents with the best and to give young talents competition at youth national.
"I am happy to be in Malawi and looking forward to assisting the MA with talent scouting, talent development and coach education at youth level."
Senong has been a part of various youth football programmes in South Africa, with his CV boasting a host of big names including Orlando Pirates' academy, Mamelodi Sundowns' academy, Diambars Academy.
He also worked for SAFA as the national U/17 Assistant coach, U/20 head coach, U/23 assistant coach, as well as an assistant coach for the senior team.
When asked about what could be attributed to youth football on the continent being on an impressive rise in recent years, Senong highlighted some of the programs FIFA have introduced.
"Many countries such as South Africa, Morocco, Tanzania, Malawi to mention a few, all have youth national competitions such as the U/20 and U/23 reserve leagues to prepare young talents for the competitive demands of football.
"FIFA have been rolling out specialized coaching course to fast track coaching education and CPD (Continuous Professional Development) e.g. FIFA Youth Licence, FIFA Goalkeeper Course and FIFA Fitness course.
"Football evolution has prioritized the importance of science and analytics, and I have witness many coaches applying those two disciplines at youth football and that makes me very happy."
The coach also highlighted what could be done to close the gap between the levels of Europe and Africa.
"Some solutions to close the technical gaps between European and African teams are education in youth development, education in coach development and exchange programmes with exchange programmes between European clubs and African teams.
"African teams must prioritize the importance of data analysis, video analysis, sports psychology and sports science," he said.
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