In Summary:
- Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has begun his UEFA B coaching course in Northern Ireland.
- This diploma is the first step towards coaching professional teams and allows him to coach younger players.
- Wanyama aims to continue playing for Dunfermline Athletic while building his coaching skills.
Victor Wanyama, once the leader of Kenya’s national football team, has started his journey to become a coach by enrolling in a UEFA B Diploma course in Northern Ireland. This important step will allow him to coach youth and amateur teams and assist at professional clubs, moving him closer to his long-held dream of becoming a top manager. While pursuing this new path, Wanyama also plans to continue playing for Dunfermline Athletic in Scotland, showing his dedication to both his playing career and his future in coaching.
READ MORE: FIFA Club World Cup 2025: All You Need to Know About the Expanded US Tournament
Victor Wanyama Begins Coaching Journey in Northern Ireland
Victor Wanyama, who used to be the captain of Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, has officially started training to become a football coach. This week, he joined a UEFA B Diploma course in Northern Ireland.
Wanyama, who currently plays for Dunfermline Athletic FC in Scotland, began his coaching classes on Monday, May 19.
He is not alone in the course. Jos Hooiveld, a former Dutch player who played alongside Wanyama at Southampton, is also taking the training. Hooiveld shared a picture with Wanyama on Instagram. He wrote that they were “chasing our coaching badges with buddies.”
Another person in their class is Jimmy Conrad, who used to play for the U.S. national team. Conrad mentioned that the first day of the course made him tired but also very excited.
The UEFA B course combines online study, in-person lessons, and practical coaching work. It requires at least 120 hours to complete. This includes 95 hours of guided study and 25 hours spent working directly with a team.
Wanyama’s Coaching Ambitions and Career Path
Once Wanyama finishes the course, he will receive a UEFA B License. This license will allow him to coach young players up to 16 years old. He can also coach amateur teams. In addition, he will be able to work as an assistant coach at professional football clubs.
This UEFA B Licence is the first step. It is needed before a person can apply for the UEFA A Licence. The UEFA A Licence is required to lead top professional teams as a head coach.
Wanyama has always wanted to become a coach. In a past interview with FIFA Media, he spoke about his plans. He said, “Yes, I think I’ll be a coach.” He also added, “I’ve learned a lot from amazing managers. I’ve tried to soak up all their ideas.” Wanyama believes that his desire to learn will help him become a good manager in the future.
His playing career has been very successful. Wanyama was the first Kenyan player to play in England’s Premier League. He joined Southampton in 2013. After that, he moved to Tottenham Hotspur. Later, he played for Montreal Impact in the U.S. Now, he is with Dunfermline Athletic in Scotland.
Wanyama is not ready to stop playing football yet. When asked if he would stay with Dunfermline, he said, “I hope so. I’ve loved it here so far. I’d like to keep going with them.” He also hopes to help the club get promoted to a higher league.
READ MORE: Kip Keino Classic Shifts to Ulinzi Complex: Nyayo Stadium Delays Force Venue Change
Importance of Coaching Education
Choosing to take the course in Northern Ireland is a smart move for Wanyama. The football association there is known for having excellent coaching programs. This could help Wanyama make connections with important people in European football later on.
Wanyama’s past experience as a player shows his strong dedication to the sport. He played under well-known coaches, such as Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham. The lessons he learned from these coaches could greatly influence his own coaching style.
For now, Wanyama is focusing on both playing and learning. He stated, “I want to leave something good behind at Dunfermline.” Fans are excited to see how this famous Kenyan player performs as he starts his journey into coaching. This step by Wanyama is important for more than just his career.
Coaching licenses help make football safe and enjoyable for players. The UEFA B level is an excellent starting point, especially for working with young players or local teams. It helps ensure that coaches have the right skills and knowledge.
READ MORE: Gor Mahia Parts Ways with Coach Mihic: New Era Begins
