Rwanda has recently established itself as a focal point for handball coaching education in Africa by hosting two high-level International Handball Federation (IHF) coaching courses in July 2025. 

Welcoming participants from across the region, Rwanda first organised the IHF D-Licence Coaching Course, followed immediately by the IHF C-Licence Coaching Course. These back-to-back programmes, led by internationally accredited experts, provided a comprehensive pathway for coaches from Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, Cameroon, and Rwanda to enhance their knowledge and practical skills.

Both the IHF D-Licence and C-Licence Coaching Courses held in Kigali, Rwanda in July 2025 were led by Dr. Souhail Hermassi, an esteemed IHF lecturer from Tunisia. He was supported by Mr. Bagirishya Anaclet, serving as the IHF/CAHB Multiplier. During the C-Licence course, additional supervision was provided by Mr. Konan Kouassi Kevin, the Head of the Training and Development Division at the African Handball Confederation (CAHB).

At the end of the courses, 16 of the 18 participants received the IHF C-Licence and all 25 participants received the IHF D-Licence.

Progressive methods for teaching handball in D-Licence Course

A group of 25 coaches representing Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, and host nation Rwanda have successfully completed the IHF D-Licence Coaching Course, which took place in Kigali from 5 to 9 July 2025. This intensive five-day programme was conducted in accordance with the new IHF Coaching Education System and comprised approximately 45 teaching units, combining both theoretical and practical instruction.

The course was led by Dr. Souhail Hermassi, an esteemed IHF lecturer from Tunisia, with the support of Mr. Anaclet Bagirishya, an IHF/CAHB Multiplier. Participants engaged in a comprehensive curriculum that not only encompassed theoretical knowledge but also emphasised hands-on practical training. Coaches were guided through progressive methods for teaching handball skills to young players, learning to develop and implement game-based exercises suitable for both basic and advanced levels.

A focal point of the course was a practical module focused on organising training sessions for children aged 12 to 14. During this component, selected participants assumed responsibility for leading the sessions under the close supervision of Dr. Hermassi, applying the pedagogical principles introduced throughout the programme. The final day was dedicated to individual practical assessments, during which each coach demonstrated the knowledge and skills acquired over the course of the training.

This initiative underscores the IHF’s ongoing commitment to the development of handball coaching expertise in Africa, ensuring that coaches are equipped with the latest instructional techniques and methodologies for nurturing young talent.

Advanced handball topics delved into for the C-Licence Course

Following the recent success of the IHF D-Licence Coaching Course, Rwanda has once again become a regional hub for coach development by hosting the International Handball Federation (IHF) C-Licence Coaching Course from 11 to 18 July 2025. This eight-day programme brought together 18 coaches from Burundi, Uganda, Cameroon, and Rwanda, marking another significant milestone in the advancement of handball education in the region.

Building upon the foundations established during the D-Licence course, the C-Licence course delved deeper into advanced topics, including basic training, youth game development, training methodology, pedagogical skills, talent development, offensive and defensive tactical intentions (both individual and small group), fundamental skills, and an in-depth understanding of the official rules of the game. The course was conducted by Dr. Souhail Hermassi, an esteemed IHF lecturer from Tunisia, assisted by Mr. Bagirishya Anaclet, IHF/CAHB Multiplier, and supervised by Mr. Konan Kouassi Kevin, Head of the Training and Development Division at the African Handball Confederation (CAHB).

Participants engaged in intensive practical assessments and dynamic group discussions, providing ample opportunities to demonstrate newly acquired skills in real match scenarios. The collaborative environment fostered the exchange of tactical concepts, training methodologies, and effective communication strategies, all of which are essential to cultivating capable and self-assured handball coaches.

The successful organisation of both the D and C-Licence courses in Kigali not only underscores Rwanda’s growing role in African handball development but also highlights the IHF’s continued dedication to raising coaching standards across the continent. The energy, teamwork, and commitment displayed during these programmes promise a strong future for handball coaching in Africa and the sustained growth of the sport at all levels.