DAR ES SALAAM: IN a surprising turn of events, Singida Black Stars Head Coach, Patrick Aussems, has been sidelined in the race for the Best Coach of the Month Award, with Denis Kitambi recognised instead by the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB).
Despite Singida Black Stars being strong contenders for the award, Aussems, officially acknowledged by the club as their Head Coach, was overlooked.
Instead, Kitambi represented the club in this category. TPLB Communication Officer, Karim Boimanda, clarified the decision: “The coach you recognise as Head Coach is not the one we acknowledge.
According to CAF criteria, the Head Coach must hold a CAF Grade A or UEFA Pro licence.” The rule aligns with CAF coaching licence regulations introduced in the 2021/2022 season.
To qualify as a head coach for CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup competitions one must possess a CAF Grade A, UEFA Pro, AFC, or CONCACAF licence.
In contrast, an Assistant Coach only requires a CAF Grade B licence. When contacted for clarification, Singida Black Stars Communication Officer, Hussien Massanza, confirmed the situation, stating that while Aussems was contracted as their head coach, the TPLB recognises Kitambi as the official head coach.
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“According to recent information from the league board, it is true that our coach Patrick Aussems lacks certain criteria to be recognised as the Head Coach,” said Massanza.
He emphasised that within the club, Aussems is still regarded as the Head Coach.
“We signed Patrick Aussems as our Head Coach, but since he does not meet some of the league board’s requirements, we had to appoint Coach Kitambi as the official Head Coach, as he meets all the necessary qualifications set by TFF and TPLB,” he added.
This situation has sparked debate among Singida supporters and football fraternity, raising questions about the team’s coaching structure and its potential impact on upcoming fixtures.