HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah delivering his Sabda during the inaugural NFABD General Congress held at NFABD House in Jalan Pusat Persidangan. BT/Md Asdeny Yakub
His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah yesterday announced that a restructuring of the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) will be taking place soon.
HRH, who is NFABD President, delivered his sabda during the inaugural NFABD General Congress yesterday at NFABD House. He highlighted the need for Brunei's governing football body to be more organised.
The general congress also heard of steps being taken place to ensure a higher standard of coaching for local clubs in Brunei Darussalam. The new regulation will require all coaches in Super League and Premier League clubs to be certified.
Among the key points being discussed yesterday included reviewing the last year's activities and projects, football developments, the associations' secretariat, budget and constitution.
HRH called upon all the members of NFABD to work together, communicate and play their roles openly and effectively within the organisation.
"So far, even though much progress has been achieved by NFABD, I personally think, that there is still a lot to be improved, in terms of direction, such as, the 'vision' and 'missions', planning and implementation," said HRH in his sabda yesterday.
"It is very important for NFABD to enhance its capability so as to be able to secure, plan and implement any tasks so that it can be carried out more efficient and effectively," he added.
"In addition, in the near future, we will implement the 'restructuring' of the officers and staff of the NFABD Secretariat, to ensure more systematic, organised and 'efficient' organisation structure."
"This will include terminating the service of several officers and staff available, and replacing them with officers and staff, who are really capable, and committed to put NFABD to a place where its deserved," said HRH.
HRH also touched on the task force between NFABD and the stakeholders in his sabda.
"In terms of football development, apart from what has been and will be carried out by NFABD, we also need to have integrated vision and planning with agencies, interest groups, or "stakeholders", in order to avoid duplication, and double spending," explained HRH.
"In relation to this matter, we and the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) held a meeting and consultation in May 2013 last year.
HRH said that the results of the consultations will see that the development of integrated football is made a national agenda. HRH then stressed the importance of coaching in the development of football.
"Speaking of coaches, (a) coaching development programme has become a priority for NFABD in its vision and action plan," continued HRH.
"Alhamdulillah, recently, we have implemented 'C' Coaching Course Certificate, which is recognised by the AFC. God willing, it will be held twice more this year, while the B Certificate Coaching Course will be held only once more.
"To ensure the players, get the best service from the manager, for season 2015/2016, NFABD will enforce the rules that all football clubs, who played in the Super League and Premier League, to be trained by coaches, who have at least Certificates C, while, for season 2016/2017, in particular for the Super League, every coach at least a Certificate B," said HRH.
Regarding financial resources, apart from grants received from the government through the MCYS, FIFA and the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), NFABD for the first time, starting this year, will also be assisted, by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), through the AFC Financial assistance Programme (AFAP).
Meanwhile, for grassroots programmes, the association will be helped either, by the Japan Football Association (JFA) and the Asian Football Development Programme (AFDP).
