The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently concluded a Level 2 coaching course in Windhoek, Namibia, as part of its ongoing commitment to developing cricket globally. This intensive three-day program, part of the ICC Legacy Program, brought together twelve participants from five African nations: Rwanda, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Kenya. Nigeria, significantly, sent the largest contingent with four coaches participating, underscoring the nation’s growing emphasis on coaching education and its ambition to elevate its cricketing prowess on the continental stage. The course aimed to equip these coaches with advanced skills and knowledge, empowering them to nurture the next generation of cricket talent within their respective countries. The focus on empowerment, skills development, and creating a lasting positive impact aligns perfectly with the core principles of the ICC Legacy Program, which seeks to strengthen cricket’s foundations worldwide.
The ICC Level 2 coaching course provided a platform for cross-cultural exchange and collaborative learning among the participating coaches. Led by renowned cricket educators Jolene Dieppenaar, a South African specialist in visual and fielding techniques, and Sylvester Mutusva, a former Zimbabwe international cricketer, the course curriculum blended practical training sessions with theoretical instruction. This comprehensive approach allowed participants to not only grasp advanced coaching concepts but also to immediately apply them in real-world scenarios, refining their ability to effectively guide and develop players. The course content covered a wide spectrum of coaching aspects, ranging from technical skill development and tactical awareness to player management and strategic planning, providing a holistic approach to coaching education.
Nigeria’s strong representation at the course, with four coaches in attendance, highlights the country’s strategic investment in coaching development. Leke Oyede, head coach of the Nigerian women’s national team, the Female Yellow Greens, joined U-19 coaches Theophilus Ibodeme, Sarah Bakhita, and Blessing Etim-Ajala in Windhoek. Their participation reflects Nigeria’s recognition of the crucial role coaching plays in fostering a robust cricketing ecosystem. By equipping its coaches with the latest knowledge and techniques, Nigeria aims to enhance player performance at all levels, from grassroots development to the national teams. This commitment to coaching education underscores Nigeria’s ambition to become a more competitive force within African cricket.
Leke Oyede, reflecting on the experience, emphasized the value of the course in nurturing the future of African cricket coaching. He highlighted the opportunity to learn from esteemed experts and exchange insights with fellow coaches from across the continent. Oyede’s perspective underscores the importance of continuous professional development for coaches, emphasizing that staying abreast of the latest coaching methodologies and sharing best practices are critical to enhancing player development and elevating the overall standard of cricket in the region. He believes that the knowledge and skills gained from the course will directly benefit the players they coach, contributing to the growth and improvement of cricket in Nigeria.
The ICC Level 2 coaching course in Namibia followed shortly after the country hosted the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 1. This tournament, a crucial stepping stone on the path to the global stage, saw Zimbabwe and Namibia secure their places in the next round of qualifying. The proximity of the coaching course to this high-profile event provided a further boost to the development of cricket in the region, highlighting the increasing importance of Africa within the global cricketing landscape. The success of Zimbabwe and Namibia in the qualifiers serves as an inspiration for other African nations, demonstrating the potential for growth and achievement within the sport.
The convergence of the ICC coaching course and the Women’s T20 World Cup qualifier in Namibia underscores the ICC’s commitment to developing cricket in Africa. These initiatives, coupled with the focus on coaching education, are laying a strong foundation for the future growth of the sport across the continent. By investing in coaching expertise and providing opportunities for competitive play, the ICC is empowering African nations to strengthen their cricketing ecosystems and nurture the next generation of cricket stars. The continued focus on development programs and high-profile tournaments will contribute to the overall improvement of cricket in Africa, enhancing the region’s competitiveness on the global stage.
