The office will enable the 10 Zone VI countries to work in harmony for the development of sports. The office will establish a regional framework of common reference points for accreditation, recognition and support in sport education.
Speaking at the Sport Pitso on Tuesday, a regional accreditation officer, Dacius Chipande said the office was found to be necessary after a survey that suggested that there is need for Southern African countries to work together in order to help each other in international competitions. He said the office will have a quality assurance structure to make sure that Southern African coaches and athletes are of international standard. Chipande said the office is not meant to replace the existing training systems but will advise on how they can be advanced. He said the office has come up with a model to make the region win at least 12 medals at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Chipande said once the accreditation is established, it will be easy to know who has capabilities at coaching at different levels because sports practitioners will be assured of quality training.
