Coach Yema Travels to South Africa for UEFA B License Training

Olanrewaju Yemi Daniel, popularly known as Coach Yema and a former head coach of Enyimba FC, has taken a pivotal step in his coaching career. He has travelled to South Africa to complete the final phase of the UEFA B coaching license, further cementing his position among Nigeria’s most forward-thinking young football tacticians.

As part of the programme, he will gain practical experience with South African Premier Soccer League side Stellenbosch FC. Under the tutelage of head coach Steve Barker, Yema is expected to immerse himself in a top-tier training environment. Stellenbosch, in excellent form, currently holds third place in the PSL standings and recently managed a goalless draw against Egyptian powerhouse Zamalek SC in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Yema is no stranger to international coaching exposure. He undertook an earlier stage of the UEFA B course in Scotland in 2023, demonstrating his consistent pursuit of professional growth. Once this current stint is complete, he will officially receive his UEFA B License.

His coaching portfolio includes roles as assistant at MFM FC and Vandrezzer FC, as well as stints with Nigeria’s U-17 national team and a leadership role at Enyimba FC. His blend of youth development, technical acumen, and global perspective marks him out as a name to follow in African football.

Editorial

We take immense pride in seeing a coach like Yemi Daniel Olanrewaju chart a deliberate path of growth that blends experience with global best practices. His current journey to South Africa is not simply a certification quest it is a declaration of intent. In an era where coaching education remains underdeveloped in many parts of Africa, Coach Yema is raising the bar.

By choosing to complete his UEFA B License through hands-on training with Stellenbosch FC, he places himself in a competitive, structured setting that will undoubtedly refine his tactical understanding and man management skills. This initiative not only boosts his personal credentials but also sends a strong message to aspiring coaches across Nigeria growth is earned, not gifted.

Nigeria has long produced exceptional football talent, yet the same cannot always be said for coaching infrastructure. Yema’s path shows us a template seek knowledge globally, then return to elevate local systems. His time in Scotland and now South Africa shows a pattern of intentional learning, and his past experiences with clubs and national youth sides make him uniquely placed to bridge the gap between local potential and international excellence.

If Nigerian football is to rise to greater heights, it will do so on the shoulders of bold thinkers like Coach Yema, who aren’t afraid to invest in their evolution. We applaud his efforts and hope more coaches are inspired to follow in his footsteps.

Did You Know?

1. The UEFA B License allows a coach to manage semi-professional teams and serve as an assistant at professional clubs in Europe.
2. Stellenbosch FC is known for having one of the best youth development academies in South Africa.
3. Coach Yema began his coaching career at a grassroots level before moving to the Nigerian Professional Football League.
4. South Africa’s Premier Soccer League is ranked among the top 10 leagues in Africa by the Confederation of African Football CAF.
5. The UEFA B License curriculum includes modules on psychology, match analysis, player development, and fitness periodisation.