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What are eSport Coaches, and What do They Do?

Last updated: 22.08.2025
Liam Fletcher
Published by:Liam Fletcher
What are eSport Coaches, and What do They Do? image

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Esports Coaching 101

If you’ve ever watched a top-level FIFA or League of Legends match and wondered who’s calling the shots behind the scenes, that’s your esports coach at work. In Kenya, where mobile gaming via M-Pesa is booming and “umoja ni nguvu” (unity is strength) rings true, an esports coach is the glue that holds a squad together. They’re all about devising strategies to outplay opponents, boost communication, and keep morale poa so your team can slay tournaments.

Key Duties of an Esports Coach

A coach in competitive gaming focuses on the full squad—just like a coach in the English Premier League spots a defensive weakness or a midfield mismatch. Your job is to clear distractions, sharpen play, and guide everyone toward that sweet win ratio.

  • Read the meta like it’s your playbook. Whether it’s FIFA Ultimate Team lineups or Valorant agent picks on Haven, you craft plans that play to your crew’s strengths.
  • Level up in-game chat and comms. Run team-building drills, watch scrims, and call out moments where “achana na mimi” (leave me alone) vibes hurt the squad.
  • Keep spirits high with pep talks or quick cooldown sessions when stress kicks in.
  • Offer one-on-one check-ins—help players drop off-court baggage so they stay focused on the game.
  • Organise kit checks before any away trip: jerseys, sponsor gear, headsets—no last-minute scrambling.
  • Set up friendly scrimmages, like local Naija vs. Mombasa crews, giving everyone a sandbox to test new plays without real stakes.
  • Team up with managers on which tournaments to hit. If you’re on salary, make sure any roster changes honour contracts and keep the org’s reputation solid.
  • Bond with analysts over game stats and play-by-play breakdowns to pinpoint weak spots. Analysts also scope out opponents to give your squad the home-court edge.

Crafting Winning Game Plans

For League of Legends coaches, that means diving into over 150 champs, 180 items, and 55,000 rune builds—flexing each comp to counter the enemy. In Valorant on Haven, it’s about who buys which rifle, which Agent peeks mid, and how the smokes sync with flash plays. Just like an EPL manager swaps formations mid-match, you pivot strategies on the fly when the meta shifts. And because you’re less emotionally tied to the outcome than the players, you see the big picture and guide the squad through every clutch or collapse.

Developing Player Strengths

Your crew’s performance drives views, and more views mean bigger sponsor cheques. In Kenya, connecting over mobile platforms is key—run scrims via cloud gaming apps on phones, so nobody misses practice. But beware: if you replay the same strat every time, opponents will catch on. Keep them guessing. And when team friction flares, step in early—remember, “mambo poa” only if everyone syncs up.

Mindset and Focus on Game Day

Real tourneys—whether a Nairobi LAN or a regional online cup—come with high stakes. If your lineup fizzles out, coaches get the boot, starters lose spots, and orgs might cut salaries. It’s on you to lock in concentration, keeping nerves at bay and the squad dialled into every round. Think of it like the final minutes of an EPL title decider: one lapse, and it’s game over.

Aligning with Your Organisation

Esports outfits in Kenya operate under the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) oversight when it comes to events that touch on wagering, and though pure coaching isn’t directly licensed, compliance shows professionalism. Advise your team on which local tournaments—like the Mombasa Smash or Nairobi Showdown—offer the best ROI. Sometimes it’s smarter to skip a smaller cup and train for a bigger stage, or do a charity stream for positive press. Always justify your role by the wins and views you bring in.

Esports Coach Strategy

Ready to Coach?

Thinking of trading your controller for a clipboard? Here’s what it takes:

Earning Your Squad’s Respect

If you’ve grinded ranked solos or played in varsity FIFA leagues, you understand the hustle. You’ll earn respect by treating players fair, keeping your cool, and shielding them from drama. Can you stand firm on strategy calls without going “mambo” every time someone argues? A top coach balances approachability with authority.

Deep Game Knowledge

You wouldn’t coach rugby without knowing scrums—same goes for esports. Stay up on every map, every character buff/nerf, and scout local rivals across mobile and desktop. Familiarity with Kenya’s scene—whether it’s the Rift Rivals or local LAN shops—is a must. Put in the hours studying metas and watch esports competitions to master trends.

Wrapping Up

Coaching esports can pull in anything from KSh 2,584,620 to KSh 19,629,050 a year, making it a solid grind if you’ve got the chops. But remember, you’re building team “umoja,” so keep that unity tight, lean on mobile tech like M-Pesa-powered practices, and guide your crew to victory. If that sounds like your next “mambo,” it might just be time to level up your career.

18+ | Play responsibly – Responsible Gaming KE

FAQ

What exactly is an eSports coach in Kenya?

An eSports coach in Kenya is a professional who guides and mentors Kenyan players and teams in competitive video gaming, focusing on improving their strategies, skills, and how they work together as a team. Think of them like a football coach, but for video games!

How does an eSports coach help a Kenyan gaming team?

An eSports coach contributes to a team in Kenya by watching their gameplay, creating strategies specifically for Kenyan tournaments, running practice sessions, and offering support to help players stay focused and confident. They help the team perform at their best.

What skills are essential for an eSports coach in Kenya?

Essential skills for an eSports coach in Kenya include knowing the game inside and out, being able to think strategically, having excellent communication skills to work with Kenyan players, being a good leader, and being able to understand and improve how the team works together.

Can eSports teams in Kenya compete without a coach?

While eSports teams in Kenya can compete without a coach, having one significantly increases their chances of winning by providing expert advice, developing their skills, and offering encouragement during tough matches. Just like a coach in any other sport!

How does one become an eSports coach in Kenya?

Becoming an eSports coach in Kenya usually means having a lot of experience playing the game, understanding how teams work, and developing coaching skills through practice and maybe even some formal training. Start by playing and analyzing games extensively!

What does an esports coach do?

An eSports coach analyzes gameplay, provides personalized training regimens, and develops in-game strategies to give players a competitive edge. They are the strategic backbone of any successful eSports team, whether in Kenya or internationally.

How much do esports coaches make?

The salary of an eSports coach varies widely in Kenya, ranging from a supplementary income for part-time coaches to a substantial wage for coaches of top-tier professional teams. The pay depends on factors like team performance, experience, and the game's popularity.

How to find an esports coach?

To find an eSports coach in Kenya, network within the local gaming community, attend eSports events, and check online forums and social media groups dedicated to Kenyan gaming. Many coaches advertise their services on these platforms.

What are the different types of coaching in esports?

In eSports, coaching can range from strategic coaching, focusing on in-game tactics, to performance coaching, which centers on improving a player's mental and physical well-being for peak performance. You might also find specialized coaches for specific roles within a team.

What are the most popular eSports games in Kenya?

The most popular eSports games in Kenya include FIFA, due to the country's passion for football, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), and League of Legends. These games have active communities and tournaments in Kenya.

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