DR Congo Strengthen Coaches with UWW Level 1 Course

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo (September 23) -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo has taken an important step in strengthening its wrestling development structure, with 11 coaches earning United World Wrestling Level 1 certification following an intensive training programme in Kinshasa.

Organised under the leadership of the Fédération Congolaise des Luttes Associées (FECOLUTTA), the week-long course brought together 26 Congolese technicians at the gymnasium of the Tata-Raphael Stadium.

The programme was conducted under the supervision of UWW international expert Vincent AKA, with a focus on developing coaching knowledge and bringing local practices closer to international standards.

"Before delivering any training, it is essential to assess the level of the participants," Aka said.

Developing Coaches

The training covered several key areas of modern wrestling coaching, including physical preparation, technical development, international rules and regulations, and training planning. The certification process was conducted with a strong emphasis on assessment. Of the 26 technicians who participated, 11 successfully met the required criteria and obtained their UWW Level 1 certification.

The newly certified coaches add to the technical capacity available to Congolese wrestling and will contribute to the development and preparation of athletes at national level.

The programme comes as the Democratic Republic of the Congo prepares to host the 2027 African Wrestling Championships in Kinshasa.

For FECOLUTTA, strengthening the coaching workforce is an important component of preparations for the continental event and of the federation's longer-term development strategy. The wider preparations have also included infrastructure and accommodation assessments in the capital. A UWW delegation led by Youssef BOUAZIZ visited the Stade des Martyrs and hotel facilities.

The next stage for the 11 newly certified coaches will be to put their training into practice and contribute to the continued development of wrestling throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo.