A former Orlando Pirates centre-forward is punching above weight in China as one of the top coaches in the junior ranks.
Former striker Gilbert Mushangazhike is now part of the fast-growing Jadel Football Academy, with branches in China and Zimbabwe.
Mushangazhike faced a lot of impediments and hurdles in an attempt to rise in Zimbabwe’s coaching ranks. He coached Golden Eagles in Zimbabwe’s Northern Region Division One league but could not break into the PSL. However, Jadel Football Academy, which is owned by former footballer Walter Musanhu, gave him a new lease of life.
The China-based academy, which has a branch in Harare, is now a flourishing project where children from different nationalities are honing their skills. And Mushangazhike, who was a reliable striker during his time at Orlando Pirates in 2007, has been a vital cog at the academy.
The soft-spoken mentor has been praised for helping turn Jadel into a force to reckon with. They now rank as the most progressive academy in the country.
FORMER PIRATES STAR MUSHANGAZHIKE IS PART OF A DYNAMIC COACHING TEAM
He is part of a coaching team that includes Primrose Paidamoyo Serima and Gari Mukangairwa. Academy founder, Musanhu is also involved in coaching. Late last year, Mushangazhike helped their Under-11 side win the 100 Cup tournament in Beijing.
They continue with good strides after entering into a partnership with Zimbabwe PSL outfit Scottland FC where they will develop players to feed into the club. Scottland FC is home to former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns talisman Khama Billiat.
At the moment, they are ranked as one of the top football development institutions in Zimbabwe.
Moreso, it has proved to be a good home for the 49-year-old who also made history for himself during his time at Manning Rangers. That was after his spell in Europe where he turned out for Germany’s second-tier club Kickers Emden in 1994.
Kickers Emden signed him following his exploits with the Young Warriors during the COSAFA Cup. Notably, he was a revered striker in his spell at Manning Rangers before the turn of the millennium.
The former forward won the Golden Boot twice with Manning Rangers. In his first season, he scored 29 goals and 23 in the following year.
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