Former Kaizer Chiefs and Sekhukhune United midfielder Willard Katsande has opened up about the initial stages of his coaching tenure in Zimbabwe.
Exactly a month ago, Katsande, a former Sekhukhune United midfielder, took over FC Rangers, a club based in Chinhoyi, competing in the ZIFA Northern Region Soccer League.
The Northern Region Soccer League is one of four divisional leagues in Zimbabwe. One team is promoted to the elite league at the end of each season.
The CAF C Licence holder is expected to help Rangers FC storm into the elite Castle Lager Premier Soccer League. So far, his team has played two games, which have both ended in goalless draws against FC Oden and Shamva Mine FC.
KATSANDE POSITIVE ABOUT HIS ZIMBABWE COACHING JOURNEY
In his assessment of his stay at the helm of FC Rangers, Katsande says the strikers’ problem in Africa is evident in lower-division football.
“It’s been a good start with massive improvement from the boys, showing lots of potential. We’ve played two league games and drawn 0-0 in both,” Katsande told FARPost.
“It’s my third week in charge, and we’re managing to keep pushing hard. We’re also creating lots of chances, but we’re still facing the African problem of strikers – to fix it up. We just need to start scoring goals, and we’ll beat teams. I’m excited about the future here.”
The retired footballer, who captained both Amakhosi and Zimbabwe, has been building his coaching profile. In South Africa, he established Kitoko Soccer School. The academy has produced young players who’ve gone on to play in Zimbabwe’s PSL.
His ambition goes beyond development, as Katsande dreams of coaching the Zimbabwe national team, The Warriors.
He is currently touted to take charge of the Under-23 national team, who have recently represented Zimbabwe at the COSAFA Cup. It remains to be seen if the 40-year-old will be engaged by the Zimbabwe Football Association [ZIFA].
RELATED STORY: How Baxter moulded Willard Katsande into a composed Warrior