Defying the Odds: Inside Abdirahman Abubakar’s journey to becoming a top football coach

Abdirahman Ali Abubakar, a former student of New Pumwani Primary School and Eastleigh High School, is the youngest coach among the 25 tacticians who recently completed the Confederation of African Football (CAF) A License course and will graduate later this month.

Abdirahman, 26, has already built up a highly impressive CV in football coaching. He was born and bred in Eastleigh, Section 3, while his family roots lie in the northeastern part of Kenya. His passion for the game ignited his coaching career journey at the age of 17, setting him on a path of continuous learning and growth.

He has climbed the ladder in football education, starting with the CAF D basic and advanced courses, then the CAF C and B diplomas, and now the CAF A diploma.

‘’As someone who has been deeply passionate about football coaching since my youth, I've developed a profound love for this beautiful game. I approach coaching with directness, clarity, and empathy, always striving to communicate effectively and honestly with my players. My commitment to the sport is unwavering, and I believe in fostering a supportive and transparent environment where players can thrive and grow both on and off the field,” Abdirahman told the Eastleigh Voice.

His decision to become a football coach stems from a unique ambition: to defy convention and become the first young coach in Kenya without a background in top-level football or a prominent name in the football industry to lead a team to the premier league.

Driven by a passion for the game and a relentless pursuit of success, the young coach challenges the status quo, relying on dedication, strategic thinking, and a fresh perspective to propel his coaching career to new heights.

“This journey is not just about personal achievement but about breaking barriers and inspiring others to believe in their own potential, regardless of background or preconceptions,” Abdirahman adds.Abdrirahman currently serves as director of the Global Youth Academy, located in Kamukunji. At Eastleigh High School, the academy trains. His role is to oversee the academy's development and operations, with the goal of nurturing young talent and providing them with the necessary skills and guidance to excel in football and beyond.

He has taken part in the CAF A classes, an elite-level coaching course that CAF and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) have been offering for the past six months.

According to him, it has been an enriching journey of growth and learning. Throughout the course, he covered a comprehensive curriculum consisting of 17 modules, including football science and nutrition, anatomy and physiology, match analysis, laws of the game, team management, leadership, scouting, media relations, doping and integrity, football fitness, data analysis, and periodization.

Additionally, he completed an internship at a Kenyan Premier League club for two weeks, underwent exams for all modules, delivered presentations, defended his portfolio, and gained valuable hands-on experience in various aspects of football coaching and management.

‘’If you get the opportunity to get on the course, my advice would be to listen, watch, and take as much information in as possible, but also to be brave and push yourself out of your comfort zone to progress,” he says.

"One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a football coach is witnessing players' growth and development, both on and off the field. Seeing them improve their skills, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals brings him immense satisfaction. Moreover, building strong relationships with players and being able to positively influence their lives is incredibly rewarding," he adds.


Abdirahman has been inspired by a rich array of established coaches, both locally and internationally.

“My inspiration in football has been deeply influenced by a diverse array of coaches, both locally and internationally. Among the local coaches who have left an indelible mark on my journey are Salim Ali, Francis Kimanzi, Rashid Shedu, Twahir Muhudin, and William Muluya. Their dedication, tactical acumen, and commitment to the sport have served as guiding lights in my pursuit of excellence. Internationally, luminaries such as Carlos Ancelotti, Mikel Arteta, Xabi Alonso, and Sir Alex Ferguson have captivated my admiration with their leadership, innovation, and unparalleled success on the global stage. Their profound impact on the football world has inspired me to continually strive for greatness and to push the boundaries of what is possible within the beautiful game.” He says.

Coach Abdirahman has future plans that he hopes to achieve within the next decade. He wants to win the Kenyan Premier League by establishing a dominant and competitive team capable of achieving long-term success in domestic football. He also hopes to guide a team in prestigious continental and international competitions, such as the CAF Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Over the years, a number of players from his academy have gone on to break into professional football at various levels and he has also helped many students develop into excellent coaches, which, he says, fulfils his soul.

Article by Charles Sisia