Ex-England
and Gambia international Cherno Samba will be handed his UEFA A Licence this
week when he completes his two-week course at Chelsea’s Cobham training
complex. Cherno, having announced his retirement through injury in July 2015,
has been hard at work completing his FA Level 2 Coaching Qualification in
October 2015 and moving swiftly to embark upon his UEFA B Licence in May 2016.
During
May 2017, Cherno was given the opportunity to commence his UEFA A Licence,
which he started at the Chelsea FC training base, Cobham two weeks ago, along
with professionals of the game such as Frank Lampard, Graham Le Saux, Dean
Steinger, Alan McCormack and Nathan Gardiner.
During
the two weeks at the Chelsea training base, Cherno was able to spend time with
experienced managers such as Chris Powell, Lee Johnson and Mark Warburton.
Cherno was able to discuss a wide range of modern day issues faced by the trio.
Cherno
also had the opportunity to speak with Celtic Manager, Brendan Rodgers, who
himself was visiting Chelsea ahead of the Scottish Cup Final.
The
FA Tutors, Jim Hicks, Paul Davis, Hope Powell and Wayne Burnett along with Dan
Ashworth from the FA, took the six UEFA A Licence pupils throughout the
two-week period. The next step for Cherno and the group is to undertake 30
coaching sessions along with an spell at another Premiership Club where he will
observe and take further sessions.
During
his playing career, Cherno was fortunate to play for both England up to U-21’s
(every age group) and The Gambia National Team. His twin love of both
countries, together with his career experience, will underpin his coaching
career moving forward.
When
Cherno was asked what he was working towards, he was clear in his response: “To
pass on my knowledge from my journey to the next generation of players and who
knows, to manage The Gambia National Team.”
