Dar es Salaam. Many Tanzanian coaches dream of working abroad especially in Europe but very few manage to turn that dream into reality. Mohammed Badru has done just that.
The former head coach of Gwambina FC and Mtibwa Sugar, and a key figure in the youth development structure at Azam FC, has opened a new chapter in his coaching career after relocating to London, England.
In an exclusive interview with Bizlens, Badru revealed that he is currently working on introducing his coaching philosophy into English youth football, following his appointment at May & Baker FC 693 a historic club competing in England’s Level 4 football (Essex Senior League), and also involved in the prestigious FA Cup.
“I’m back in the UK after securing a coaching role with the club’s U23, U18, and U16 teams,” said Badru.
“My goal is to implement my coaching philosophy and help young players understand structured football from an early age.”
He explained that the opportunity came after undergoing and passing technical trials at the club.
This role, he said, gives him a platform to challenge himself in a new, competitive, and demanding coaching environment.
“After completing my CAF B License and gaining acceptance to pursue the UAFA B course this year, I felt it was the right moment to push for something bigger. I needed a more competitive setting to test myself and that’s why I returned to England,” he added.
May & Baker FC 693 boasts a rich history in London and a reputation for developing young talent, with several players graduating through their system and joining top-tier clubs.
According to Badru, this is a golden opportunity not just to contribute to the growth of English youth football, but also to open doors for young Tanzanian talents and to prove that coaches from East Africa, particularly Tanzania, can thrive in high-pressure football environments.
“This is an established club with a strong development system,” said Badru. “I believe I’ll learn a lot here, but more importantly, I’ll help shape the future of these young players.”
Badru’s move to London was not impulsive. He had long been seeking an environment that would present both professional growth and technical challenges.
For him, coaching youth in a more developed football culture is a critical step toward becoming a world-class coach.
A firm believer in the ‘total football’ philosophy, Badru admits that England provides an ideal setting for his tactical style, just as he experienced during his tenure at Azam FC.
“I’m working with young players who already have a strong grasp of the game’s fundamentals. As a coach, this allows me to go deeper with my methods and help develop them both mentally and technically,” he explained.
Badru hopes that his journey in England will inspire and open doors for more Tanzanian and East African coaches.
He believes that with consistency and quality, African coaches can earn recognition and respect even in the most demanding football environments.
At present, he is fully focused on his new role, dreaming of one day coaching in the upper tiers of English football perhaps League Two, League One, or even the Championship.
“The journey is just beginning, but the important part is that I’ve taken the first step,” he said. “It won’t be easy, but I’m committed to learning and growing every single day.”
His Achievements
Badru’s resume includes several notable milestones. In March 2021, while coaching Gwambina FC, he was named Coach of the Month in the Tanzanian Premier League.
Later that same season, he took over Mtibwa Sugar and successfully steered the club away from relegation.
One of his most remarkable achievements came at Azam FC, where he was instrumental in developing the club’s youth structure from scratch. When he joined, there were no official U12 or U15 teams.
Badru not only initiated these age groups but embedded his own technical philosophy into their training, laying a strong foundation for the next generation.
His efforts bore fruit when he discovered and nurtured Cyprian Thobias Kachwele, who rose through the U17 ranks before being sold to Vancouver Whitecaps in the Major League Soccer (MLS) a testament to Badru’s eye for talent and commitment to player development.
Beyond that, he was directly involved in preparing and promoting several young players to Tanzania’s national youth teams something many youth coaches in the region rarely achieve.
His meticulous training ensured players were mentally, physically, and technically ready for the international stage.
Badru also played a key role in facilitating a landmark partnership between Azam FC and AIK, a top-tier Swedish club.
The collaboration focused on youth development and talent exchange.
During his three years at Azam FC, his U17 squad remained unbeaten in several competitions, a testament to his tactical acumen and dedication.
Furthermore, he successfully promoted multiple players from the U17 team to the U20 squad, with several even earning promotion to the senior team.
