The Ugandan Badminton Association (UBA) will be hosting the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Level 2 Coaching Course from June 20th to 28th, 2024, in Lugogo, Kampala.
This eight-day intensive workshop will be led by renowned coach Daje Annirao from Mauritius. Badminton coaches from eight African nations will participate, including Uganda (4), Lesotho (2), Benin (2), Djibouti (2), Botswana (1), Nigeria (3), Egypt (3), and Zambia (2).
Upskilling Ugandan Coaches
Four Ugandan coaches – Fatimah Nabirungi, Hellen Luzika, Frank Muwuluzi, and Godfrey Kivumbi – will be upgrading their qualifications. Many others were unable to participate due to late applications or lack of initial interest.
Uganda currently boasts six BWF Level 2 coaches, including national head coach William Kabindi, Ivan Kalimunda, Betty Apio, Ronald Lule, Edwin Masiko, and UBA president Annet Nakamya, who all completed the course in 2018.
Importance of Coach Development
Simon Mugabi, CEO of the UBA, while spaking to Nnalubaale Sports emphasized the significance of this course for Ugandan badminton.
“There is a time when players need to be coached by a qualified coach and this is why it is important for our coaches to have papers for these courses” he stated.
Coach Kivumbi Shares His Motivation
Godfrey Kivumbi, one of the participating coaches, highlighted the importance of upgrading from Level 1 to Level 2.
“I’ve coached both able-bodied and para badminton players for many years,” he said. “Earning my BWF Level 2 qualification will allow me to coach national and professional players,” he said.
Course Requirements
- Strong academic background: The Level 2 program is advanced, covering topics like anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, fitness testing, training methods, and parameters.
- BWF Level 1 Coaching Certificate
- English language proficiency: Fluency in spoken and written English, including badminton terminology, is required.
- Full attendance: Participants must be present for the entire course duration.
- WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) online module completion: This module is mandatory for assessment.
Assessment and Certification
Following the course, participants will undergo competency assessments to earn their BWF Level 2 Coaching Award. Details on the assessment format will be provided during the workshop.
This marks the second time Uganda will be hosting the BWF Level 2 Coaching Course. The first edition was held in 2018.
Photo Credit: Gonzaga Kakeeto
