South African coach Darian Wilken has made great strides in the coaching field.
The Simba SC assistant coach has completed his UEFA A & A Elite Youth Licence through the Football Association of Wales. He intends to study further to acquire football’s highest coaching qualification, the UEFA Pro Licence.
The 30-year-old Wilken serves under SA’s Fadlu Davids at the Tanzanian outfit.
“I’m proud to have completed my UEFA A & A Elite Youth Licence,” says Wilken from his base in the East African country.
“From the very first session to the final assessments, this course demanded a lot, not just tactically and technically, but personally. It pushed me to grow as a coach, a communicator, and a leader in high-performance environments. I’m deeply grateful for the experience and for the mentors who walked the road with me.
“Throughout my coaching journey, I’ve had the privilege of working at some of the top clubs in Africa, each one shaping me in different ways. The intensity, the passion, the expectations—they teach you fast,” Wilken explains.
“A heartfelt thank you to Simba SC, my current club, for their belief in me and for providing a platform where ideas can be tested, challenged, and refined in a high-pressure setting. It’s an environment that stretches a coach, and that’s exactly what you want when you are aiming to grow.
“To Raja Casablanca (of Morocco), thank you for allowing me the time and space to pursue this licence while I was at the club. Your understanding and support made it possible to take this important step without compromising my commitment on the field.
“To our Head Coach, Fadlu Davids, and the entire technical team, thank you for creating a culture of collaboration, where voices are heard and ideas are sharpened through a respectful challenge and shared ambition. It’s a privilege to work in a team that values detail, honesty, and vision.
“It has always been my personal goal to achieve my UEFA A Licence by the age of 30, and today, I can say I’ve done that. But the journey doesn’t stop here. Next up: the UEFA Pro Licence, because the aim has never been just to arrive but to keep growing, learning, and raising the level.”
