Tanzania’s youth football architect Mohammed Badru embarks on new coaching journey in England

Dar es Salaam. While many Tanzanian coaches dream of working abroad—particularly in Europe—few ever get the opportunity to make that dream a reality. Head Coach Mohammed Badru is among the rare exceptions.

The former Head Coach of Gwambina FC and Mtibwa Sugar, and a pivotal figure in Azam FC’s youth development setup, has now opened a new chapter in his coaching career after relocating to London, England.

In an exclusive interview with The Citizen, Coach Badru disclosed that he is currently embedding his coaching philosophy within the English youth football system, following his appointment at May & Baker FC 693—an historic club that competes in England’s Level 4 football (Essex Senior League) and features in the prestigious FA Cup.

“I’m back in the UK after securing a coaching role with the club’s Under-23, Under-18, and Under-16 teams,” he said. “My aim is to introduce my coaching philosophy and guide young players to understand structured football from an early stage.”

According to Coach Badru, the opportunity emerged after he successfully passed technical trials with the club. The role, he noted, offers a vital platform to challenge himself in a competitive and professionally demanding environment.

“After completing my CAF B Licence and being accepted for the UAFA B coaching course this year, I felt it was the right moment to pursue something more ambitious. I needed a more rigorous setting to test my growth, and that’s why I returned to England,” he added.

May & Baker FC 693 has a storied legacy in London and a solid reputation for nurturing young talent, with several of its players graduating to join top-flight football clubs.

Coach Badru sees this appointment not only as an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of English youth football but also as a potential gateway for young Tanzanian talent to gain international exposure. He believes it demonstrates that East African coaches—particularly from Tanzania—can succeed in high-pressure football environments abroad.

“This is an established club with a robust development system,” he said. “I’m certain I will gain immensely from this experience, but more importantly, I hope to shape the future of the young players under my care.”

His relocation to London was far from spontaneous. For years, Coach Badru has sought a setting that would provide both professional development and technical challenges. Coaching youth players in a more advanced footballing culture is, to him, an essential step on his journey to becoming a world-class coach.

A strong proponent of the ‘total football’ approach, Coach Badru believes England offers the perfect environment to implement his tactical vision—something he also practised during his tenure at Azam FC.

“I’m working with players who already have a strong foundation in the game. That gives me the opportunity to go further in applying my coaching methods, helping them grow both mentally and technically,” he explained.

Coach Badru hopes his journey in England will serve as inspiration for other Tanzanian and East African coaches. He is confident that with consistency, professionalism, and technical acumen, African coaches can earn their place and respect even within the most competitive global football landscapes.

At present, his focus is squarely on his new role at May & Baker FC 693. However, he harbours aspirations of one day managing in the higher echelons of English football—whether in League Two, League One, or even the Championship.

“The journey has only just begun, but what matters is that I’ve taken the first step,” he said. “It won’t be easy, but I am committed to learning and improving every day.”

His achievements:

Coach Badru’s career is marked by numerous milestones.

In March 2021, while managing Gwambina FC, he was named Tanzanian Premier League’s Coach of the Month. Later that season, he took charge of Mtibwa Sugar and successfully steered the club clear of relegation.

One of his most significant contributions came at Azam FC, where he played a crucial role in establishing and developing the club’s youth structure from scratch. At the time of his appointment, Azam FC had no official Under-12 or Under-15 teams. He not only initiated these categories but also embedded his technical coaching philosophy into their training programmes, creating a strong developmental foundation.

His eye for talent was proven when he discovered and nurtured Cyprian Thobias Kachwele, who rose through the Under-17 ranks before being signed by Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer (MLS)—a move that reflects Coach Badru’s commitment to player development.

Additionally, he was instrumental in preparing and promoting numerous young players to Tanzania’s national youth teams—an accomplishment few regional coaches can claim. His comprehensive training approach ensured that players were mentally, physically, and technically prepared for international competition.

He also played a central role in brokering a landmark partnership between Azam FC and AIK, a premier Swedish club, focused on youth development and talent exchange.

During his three-year spell at Azam FC, his Under-17 squad remained unbeaten in several competitions—an achievement that underscores his tactical insight and discipline. Furthermore, he successfully transitioned several players from the U17 team to the U20 squad, with some advancing to the senior team.