Exactly 54 days after being appointed Rangers FC coach in Zimbabwe’s Northern Region Soccer League, former Kaizer Chiefs captain Willard Katsande has thrown in the towel.
Katsande quit his job on Thursday, citing two reasons that were hindering his progress at the First Division outfit. The former Sekhukhune United midfielder, nicknamed ‘Salt and Pepper’, was appointed as head coach of Rangers FC, a club based in Chinhoyi, on a one-year contract.
He presided over seven games, managing one win, four draws, and suffering two defeats. Additionally, he leaves the club in 18th position in the 22-team league.
WHAT KATSANDE SAID IN QUITTING HIS RANGERS JOB
In his resignation letter, obtained by FARPost, the Chiefs legend cited non-payment of salaries and poor working and living conditions as the main reasons for his abrupt exit from the club.
“Please accept this letter as a formal notice of my resignation from my position as Head Coach of Rangers FC, effective immediately,” reads Katsande’s resignation letter.
“Despite my commitment to the role and repeated efforts to address concerns, I have decided to resign due to the treatment and working conditions I have experienced, which are not in line with professional standards, including:
“Non-payment of remuneration: To date, I have not received any salary since the commencement of my contract, nor the agreed sign-on fee, contrary to our agreement.
“Unsuitable living conditions: The accommodation provided by the club is unsuitable and has not been addressed despite being raised with management. These issues, amongst others, have made it untenable for me to perform my duties to the standard the players and the supporters deserve.
“I request that any outstanding monies owed to me be settled in line with our agreement. I remain committed to player development and wish the players and technical staff well for the rest of the season.”
WHAT NEXT FOR WILLARD KATSANDE?
FARPost understands that Katsande is set to join FC Oden, a team based in Chinhoyi, like Rangers FC. Katsande was also spotted at Caps United training on Monday. It remains to be seen where he will end up, but the odds are high that he will stay put in Zimbabwean football circles in the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, the CAF C license holder aspires to lead Zimbabwe’s Under-20 and U-23 national teams. His decision to coach in Zimbabwe’s lower-tier league is inspired by a desire to rise through the coaching ranks.
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 produced young players who’ve gone on to play in Zimbabwe’s PSL.
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