Ex-Chiefs star Willard Katsande finds new home

Former Kaizer Chiefs captain Willard Katsande

Just two days after leaving Rangers FC, former Kaizer Chiefs captain Willard Katsande has found a new home at another Zimbabwean first division club competing in the Eastern Region Soccer League.

Katsande quit Rangers FC, which was his first job in Zimbabwe, on Thursday, citing non-payment of salaries and poor working and living conditions as the reasons for his abrupt exit.

The former Sekhukhune United midfielder, nicknamed ‘Salt and Pepper’, had been appointed as head coach of Rangers FC on a one-year contract, but his stay was cut short.

During his short stint at Rangers FC, he presided over seven games, managing one win, four draws, and suffering two defeats. Additionally, he left the club in 18th position in the 22-team league.

Willard Katsande at Grand Legacy
Willard Katsande with a Grand Legacy official. Picture Supplied.

WILLARD KATSANDE JOINS GRAND LEGACY FC

However, it appears he left the club with a smooth transition already in mind. And he has swiftly joined Grand Legacy, a budding club in the Eastern Region Soccer League, a league similar to where he was before.

Asked by FARPost why he stayed put in Zimbabwe’s lower-tier leagues despite the experience of non-payment at Rangers FC, Katsande said he needed more experience in the ‘tough’ lower-tier league before making a leap of faith into the PSL.

Katsande’s appointment was revealed on Saturday, ahead of Grand Legacy’s Munhumutapa Challenge Cup first preliminary round clash against Bikita Minerals. They lost 2-0. He replaces Collin Chinyani, who left the club for greener pastures.

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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