Contact time is crucial in skill acquisition – and football is no different. To become well-rounded, talented players must constantly expose themselves to high-quality, age-appropriate development sessions on and off the pitch. 

As part of a continuous effort to provide opportunities for talents in Africa, an International staff augmentation firm for software developers, Tunga has recently sponsored 40 youth football coaches in Uganda to an all-expense paid 5-day training course with Kevin Kanu, an expert coach from the Dutch football club, Sparta Rotterdam.

Running from September 28th to October 2nd, 2022, the training program’s execution at the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Technical centre in Njeru was educational and inspirational for the youth coaches who came to participate from various academies in the country. Key stakeholders of FUFA (the highest administrative body of football in Uganda) have also expressed their excitement and satisfaction with the program, describing it as necessary for tapping grassroots talent in Africa.

(center) Ernesto with Kevin Kanu (far right) with academy players from Rays of Grace

Commenting on what brought about the initiative and collaboration with FUFA, Tunga’s CEO, Ernesto Spruyt, said, “I am a firm believer that the success of any society depends on how it treats and educates its children. Sport is an essential vehicle for children to get ahead in life. Next to physical well-being, sports teach them performance, teamwork, discipline, devotion, and (importantly) joy! I figured that we as a company could make a humble contribution by applying our knowledge in developing IT talent to football youth development in Uganda. We reached out to the FUFA, and the rest they say is history.”

(Left) Ernesto Spruyt and (Right) Kevin Kanu

He was also grateful for the opportunity, “I feel lucky that I have the opportunity to do this… It makes me satisfied and thankful that I am in a position to impact people’s lives, I want to thank FUFA for making this possible and Kevin for joining us on this journey.”

With a pool of over 1000 African Software Developers that Tunga places with clients in Europe and the US, the company connects tech talent from 8 African countries to businesses looking for agile and reliable software teams. Founded 7 years ago with a mission to unleash Africa’s tech talent, the company is also committed to inspiring change in the continent through strategic partnerships in areas of talent development.

Get the best African tech newsletters in your inbox