January 23, 2025 – WPDI, in collaboration with the Swedish Postcode Foundation and the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA), conducted a 12-day D-License coaching course in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan, in November as part of our Peace Through Sports program. This initiative aims to harness sports as a tool for peacebuilding while simultaneously promoting football and sports in general across the country. The comprehensive course, designed to enhance the technical capacity of the program and its participants, included 80 hours of theoretical and practical training, culminating in both written and practical exams.
The D-License certification enables coaches to train teams ranging from under-6 to under-19, equipping them with the skills needed to nurture young talent, instill team spirit, and promote fair play. Graduates of this program also gain membership in the coaching committee of the SSFA, enabling them to train grassroots teams in South Sudan and pursue further advancements in their coaching careers.
The course covered an extensive range of topics designed to provide a solid foundation for aspiring coaches. These included football fundamentals such as the history of football, theories of coaching, and basic skills for players and coaches. Team strategies were emphasized, including techniques such as dribbling, playing from the back, agility, and flexibility. Player development topics included an introduction to girls empowerment through and in football, basic motor skills, and warm-ups for under-15 and under-17 players. Specialized knowledge was provided on basic sports medicine, injury prevention, nutrition, and doping awareness. Conflict resolution training was also integrated into the program to help coaches foster unity and teamwork. Administrative skills such as logbook development, portfolio preparation, record-keeping, and assignment presentations rounded out the curriculum. Participants also received guidance on the laws of the game and technical and tactical skills to develop their teams comprehensively.
Testimonies from Participants and Facilitators
Dusman Ihisa, one of the coach trainees, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity: “Through the course, I now know that a coach is more than a teacher to the players. The training has taught me that a football coach’s work combines technical expertise, leadership, strategy, and personal management to guide a team toward success both on and off the field. The skills I acquired will enhance my team’s performance and help me foster a positive environment for individual players. Most importantly, I learned that a coach’s role includes building unity, teamwork, and resolving conflicts among players. I thank WPDI for supporting this course and the instructors for this wonderful training, as it is the first of its kind in my life.”
Dr. Peter James Wani, SSFA’s Coaching Director and FIFA Instructor for coaching education, applauded WPDI for making the course possible: “This training is very expensive to organize, and without WPDI, it would have been impossible to conduct. The D-License certificate is like a driving license for coaches, enabling them to train players and clubs across South Sudan. For those seeking to advance their coaching careers internationally, attending C-License and B-License courses will be essential. I encourage participants to value and pursue such training opportunities.”
Dr. Salyi Lolaku Samuel, SSFA’s Technical Director, highlighted the transformative power of sports: “WPDI’s initiative to empower young people through sports is commendable. This project of peace through sports has transformed the mindset of youths engaged in these activities. Sports inspire, transform, and change lives—bringing unity, developing talents, and fostering love and a sense of one big family.”
Driving Positive Change Through Sports
By equipping 32 coaches with D-License certifications, WPDI is actively contributing to peacebuilding and the development of sports in South Sudan. The program empowers young people with the skills to excel in football while promoting unity and teamwork, reflecting WPDI’s commitment to creating sustainable and inclusive opportunities for communities across the region.
As the newly certified coaches embark on their careers, they stand poised to make significant contributions to grassroots football development, peacebuilding, and youth empowerment in South Sudan and beyond.
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