From Tanzania to London: Coach Badru’s bold leap into English football

The former Gwambina FC and Mtibwa Sugar head coach, who also played a pivotal role in Azam FC’s youth development, has embarked on a new chapter in his coaching career after relocating to London, England.

In an exclusive interview with The Citizen, Mr Badru revealed that he is now working to integrate his coaching philosophy into English youth football.

He recently secured a role with May & Baker FC 693—a historic club competing in England’s Level 4 football (Essex Senior League) and participating in the prestigious FA Cup.

“I’m back in the UK after securing a coaching position with the club’s U23, U18, and U16 teams,” Badru said.

“I aim to implement my coaching philosophy and help young players understand structured football from an early age,” he added.

He explained that the opportunity arose after he underwent and passed technical trials at the club.

This new role, he noted, offers a platform to challenge himself in a more competitive and demanding football environment.

“After completing my CAF B Licence and being accepted to undertake the UEFA B Diploma course this year, I felt it was the right moment to aim higher. I needed a tougher setting to truly test myself, which is why I returned to England,” he added.

May & Baker FC 693 enjoys a rich history in London and a reputation for nurturing young talent, with several graduates from their system progressing to top-tier clubs.

According to Badru, this is a golden opportunity not only to contribute to English youth football but also to open doors for young Tanzanian talents and prove that East African coaches—especially Tanzanians—can succeed in high-pressure football environments.

“This is a well-established club with a robust development system. I believe I’ll gain valuable experience here, but more importantly, I’ll help shape the future of these young players,” he said.

Mr Badru’s move to London was not a spur-of-the-moment decision.

He had long sought an environment that would offer both professional development and technical challenges.

Coaching young players in a more advanced football culture, he believes, is a critical step in his journey towards becoming a world-class coach.

A firm advocate of the ‘total football’ philosophy, Mr Badru maintains that England is an ideal setting for his tactical approach, echoing the experiences he gained at Azam FC.

“I’m working with players who already have a strong foundation in the game’s fundamentals. As a coach, this allows me to take my methods further and develop them both mentally and technically,” he explained.

Mr Badru hopes that his journey in England will inspire and pave the way for more Tanzanian and East African coaches.

He firmly believes that with consistency and quality, African coaches can earn recognition and respect—even in the most demanding football landscapes.

For now, his full focus is on his current role, though he dreams of one day coaching in higher tiers of English football, such as League Two, League One, or even the Championship.

“This is only the beginning, but the key thing is that I’ve taken the first step. It won’t be easy, but I’m committed to learning and improving every day,” he said.

His achievements

Mr Badru’s coaching credentials include several notable accomplishments. In March 2021, while at the helm of Gwambina FC, he was named Tanzanian Premier League Coach of the Month.

Later that season, he took over at Mtibwa Sugar and successfully steered the club away from relegation.

Perhaps one of his most impactful contributions came at Azam FC, where he played a leading role in establishing and strengthening the club’s youth development system.

Upon joining, the club had no official U12 or U15 teams. Mr Badru not only initiated these age groups but also embedded his technical philosophy within their training routines—laying a solid foundation for the next generation.

His efforts yielded visible results. Among his standout successes was the discovery and development of Cyprian Thobias Kachwele, who rose through the U17 ranks before securing a move to Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer (MLS)—a testament to Mr Badru’s keen eye for talent and commitment to nurturing players.

Beyond Kachwele, Mr Badru was directly involved in preparing and promoting several players to Tanzania’s national youth teams—a feat that remains rare among regional youth coaches.

His thorough training ensured that players were not only technically and physically prepared but also mentally equipped for the international stage.

He also played a key role in fostering a landmark partnership between Azam FC and AIK, a top-flight Swedish club.

The collaboration centred on youth development and talent exchange.

During his three-year tenure at Azam FC, his U17 side remained unbeaten in several tournaments, underlining his tactical acumen and dedication.

Moreover, he oversaw the promotion of multiple players from the U17 team to the U20 squad, with several eventually earning spots in the senior team—a reflection of his ability to manage progression within the youth ranks.

Mr Badru’s record speaks for itself, but he insists that his move to England is about more than personal accolades.

For him, it is about growth, exchange of ideas, and contributing to football development on a larger scale.

“I’m here to give and to learn. I believe Tanzanian coaches can offer something different—something valuable. We understand hardship, we know how to build from scratch, and that can be a real asset in any football system,” said Mr Badru.

He is optimistic that his story will resonate with aspiring coaches back home, encouraging them to pursue their dreams beyond local borders.

“Breaking into the European football scene is tough, but not impossible. What matters is the willingness to learn, the discipline to improve, and the resilience to keep pushing forward,” he said.

Mr Badru credits his rise to a combination of faith, persistence, and support from mentors and institutions that believed in his potential.

Among those, he highlights Azam FC for giving him the platform to grow as both a coach and a leader.

He acknowledges that much still lies ahead, but he remains steadfast in his mission: to become not just a successful coach, but a mentor and role model for the next generation of East African football minds.

With London now as his base, Mr Badru continues to sharpen his skills, build networks, and immerse himself in one of the world’s most competitive football environments.

Whether working pitch-side or from the sidelines, his presence represents not just personal ambition, but a broader vision for what Tanzanian coaches can achieve on the global stage.