Ex-Zambia star James Chamanga takes giant step in post playing career

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is currently conducting a FAZ E coaching licence with 2012 winning striker James Chamanga, former U-20 captain Chishimba Changala and former Forest Rangers skipper Cederic Djeugoue among the notable attendees.

Chamanga is part of the Red Arrows Football Club backroom staff after hanging his boots in the 2024-2025 season. Other notables are players Charles Muntanga and Emelda Musonda.

Meanwhile FIFA has sent emissaries to observe four prospective candidates for instructor badges in Zambia who are overseeing the current course that has drawn participation from 30 candidates.

Holders of CAF C qualify to pursue CAF B licence

The five-day training is being held at the National Sports Development Centre (NASDEC). Among the instructors are outgoing FAZ Technical Director Lyson Zulu, FAZ Educational Officer Chris Chibuye.

Others Philip Munkombwe and Franklyn Malambo who are FIFA trained grassroots coach educators. FIFA Instructor Zunaid Mall is monitoring the local instructors that are being assessed by FIFA prior to the final assessment program set for Rwanda.

Once certified they will join an elite club of instructors on developmental football. The five-day training covers theory and practical sessions with the minimum requirement being interest in football and having some basic literacy.

The FAZ E is the foundation course with candidates wishing to progress eligible to pursue a CAF C. Holders of the CAF C qualify to pursue a CAF B licence as a minimum entry requirement.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is currently conducting the FAZ E Coaching Licence, a foundational training program for aspiring football coaches. This year’s course has attracted notable figures, including 2012 winning striker James Chamanga, former U-20 captain Chishimba Changala, and former Forest Rangers skipper Cederic Djeugoue. Their participation underscores the growing importance of coach education in Zambia.

Chamanga, who retired after the 2024-2025 season, is now part of the Red Arrows Football Club backroom staff. Other prominent attendees include experienced players Charles Muntanga and Emelda Musonda, all contributing to a rich learning environment for the 30 candidates currently enrolled in the course.

FAZ E Coaching Licence Draws Top Zambian Football Legends

The FAZ E Coaching Licence programme organised by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is currently underway and has attracted some of the country’s most respected former footballers, including 2012 AFCON-winning striker James Chamanga, former U-20 captain Chishimba Changala, and ex-Forest Rangers skipper Cederic Djeugoue.

Former Stars Enrol in FAZ E Coaching Licence Programme

After retiring at the end of the 2024–2025 season, James Chamanga joined the Red Arrows Football Club technical staff and is now sharpening his coaching skills through the FAZ E Coaching Licence. Other notable participants include experienced players Charles Muntanga and Emelda Musonda.

A total of 30 candidates are taking part in the foundational coaching course.

FIFA Observes FAZ E Coaching Licence Instructor Assessment

FIFA has sent technical observers to monitor four Zambian candidates being assessed for FIFA instructor badges during the ongoing FAZ E Coaching Licence training. The assessment ensures the programme meets global coaching education standards.

FIFA Instructor Zunaid Mall is overseeing the process ahead of the final evaluation scheduled to take place in Rwanda.

FAZ E Coaching Licence Training at NASDEC

The five-day FAZ E Coaching Licence course is being hosted at the National Sports Development Centre (NASDEC). The training combines theory and practical field sessions focused on grassroots football development.

The instructor team includes:

• Outgoing FAZ Technical Director Lyson Zulu

• FAZ Education Officer Chris Chibuye

• FIFA-trained educators Philip Munkombwe and Franklyn Malambo

Coaching Progression After FAZ E Coaching Licence

The FAZ E Coaching Licence is the entry-level qualification in Zambia’s coaching pathway. Successful candidates qualify to pursue a CAF C Licence, which then allows progression to the CAF B Licence, the minimum requirement for higher-level coaching roles.

This structured pathway aligns Zambia with CAF and FIFA coaching standards.