10 May 2023 – SAFA Technical Director Walter Steenbok is on his way to Granja Comray Training Centre in Teresópolis, Brazil, to attend the inaugural FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma program.

Steenbok, who just returned from Algeria where he was part of the FIFA Knowledge exchange program,  is back on the road and he will join other Technical Directors from around the world in the 18-month  Technical Leadership diploma.

The first leg of the course will run from 11 – 16 May 2023.

“I am honoured to have been selected as one of the participants of this life-changing opportunity. I will be learning so much from this and  I want to bring it back to South African Football. I will be presenting during this first leg on Talent identification and development, which have been my main areas of focus over the years of talent scouting,” Steenbok told www.www.safa.net

“This is an 18-months course for 24 Member Associations from around the world. The program will be followed by three onsite blocks with comprehensive distance and self- directed learning in between each block.”

Steenbok said this program, alongside the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS), are pivotal to the next generation of footballers. He added that the role of a Technical Director within a Member Association is crucial in the strategy building and implementation of the national technical development programmes, especially for playing and coaching philosophy.

“We as Technical Directors are the ‘architects’ and shape the future of football in our countries, therefore we are grateful to our Associations and FIFA as the mother body for investing in our education and making sure that we have a network from around the world that can ensure we build the beautiful game as one unit.”