THE new Safa leadership intends working closely with institutions of higher learning to help in the training of coaches.

THE new Safa leadership intends working closely with institutions of higher learning to help in the training of coaches.

This was the resolution taken by the Safa executive at their Fifa-financed workshop on Robben Island at the weekend.

Safa president Kirsten Nematandani said: "Countries doing well in football encourage their coaches to go to the universities for training, in addition to the certificates they have.

"We also want to see more soccer legends being in possession of coaching qualifications."

Nematandani said Safa will identify long-term projects with the universities to train referees, coaches and administrators. He said the workshop also resolved to promote a national programme of football development, including schools football.

"We will be partnering the government and Fifa on this project. We will also appoint staff to deal specifically with football at grassroots level. We will also conduct an organisational review, assisted by Fifa, to enhance the efficiency of Safa and establish an electoral code that includes an independent electoral body.

"The federation will also establish a player registration database that will help in monitoring the progress of all the players.

"We will also arrange seminars on good corporate governance, club licensing, beach soccer, assisted by Fifa for all Safa members," Nematandani said. Safa will also apply to the world governing body to host Futuro III courses in administration, refereeing and coaching, conducted by Fifa experts.

"The executive resolved to review and implement Safa's development programme with regard to women's football, futsal (the five-a-side, indoor version of the game) and the technical director's development plan."