The Zimbabwe Football Association [ZIFA] has taken a bold step regarding one of its most inspirational figures: former Kaizer Chiefs and Warriors star Willard Katsande.
The retired footballer who once captained Amakhosi and Zimbabwe has been steadily building his coaching profile. Notably, Katsande has established a promising project, Kitoko Soccer School, which has been producing youthful players who have gone on to play in Zimbabwe’s PSL.
While he invests so much energy in the project, Katsande has harboured a dream of coaching the Zimbabwe national team. However, he believes in steady progress and has raised his hand with keen interest to start in the Under-20 and Under-23s.
KATSANDE’S AGENT CONFIRMS LATEST DEVELOPMENTS ON HIS ZIM NATIONAL TEAM DREAM
Deservedly, ZIFA has requested Katsande’s CV as they seek to assemble an Under-20 technical team for the next Under-20 AFCON qualifiers and all youth tournaments. ZIFA is also in the process of setting up a new Young Warriors [Under 23] technical team, which has, over the years, been led by former Orlando Pirates DDC coach, Simon Marange.
Agent Kuda Garufu, who is handling Katsande’s business, confirmed to FARPost that the Nqobile Magwizi-led ZIFA has contacted their camp.
“We have been requested to submit his CV, and we are looking forward to positive feedback. I strongly believe he is the right candidate to take us towards because of his great capabilities in junior football development.
“Willard is making big waves down South. He runs a formidable soccer school [Kitoko Soccer School] that competes against professional clubs in order for the players to gain confidence, and they are also in the SAFA structures,” Garufu told FARPost.
Formerly a Sekhukhune United midfielder, Katsande, who is nicknamed ‘Salt and Pepper’ for his no-nonsense style of play, says he will pursue a CAF B coaching course in 2026.
He managed over 300 Betway Premiership appearances, two league titles, a Nedbank Cup, and many individual awards. In addition, he has attracted the attention of some Zimbabwe PSL clubs looking to hire him as an assistant coach.
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