Willard Katsande has opened up about his decision to stay put in Zimbabwe’s lower-tier league, despite a botched stint at Rangers FC, where he experienced poor living and working conditions, as well as non-payment of salaries.
Katsande spent over a month at Rangers FC in the Northern Region Soccer League before quitting a week ago, followed by a swift move to Eastern Region Soccer League side Grand Legacy.
Many expected him to return to his project, Kitoko Soccer School, or rather join the Zimbabwe PSL to keep his coaching ambition alive. But he stayed put.
Speaking to FARPost, Katsande said his growth as a coach will be strengthened by the challenges he is enduring in the unfashionable first division in Zimbabwe.
‘IT HAS TO BE TOUGH BUT WORTHWHILE’ – A LEARNING CURVE SAYS KATSANDE
“The president [Panganai Nyamayaro] and the executive of Grand Legacy made it clear that they’re ambitious; they want to make a mark in the football fraternity and get promoted to top-flight football. They said their project is a good fit, and they’ll work hand in hand with me to build my profile too.
“For me, it’s all about gaining experience, enduring the tough lessons, and growing in this coaching industry. I’m ambitious, and it was an easy decision to take on this challenge. I’m looking forward to the grind, learning from the team, the challenges and seeing this project succeed – that is what drives me.”
WILLARD KATSANDE’S GRAND PLAN
Katsande, who also played for Sekhukhune United, has bold ambitions which he believes are grounded in the experience he’s amassing in the first division.
The 40-year-old aims to break into Zimbabwe’s Premier Soccer League in 2027, which he believes is his gateway to the Zimbabwe national team job.
However, he doesn’t intend to stop at the Zimbabwe national job, with his eyes also on landing the hotseat at Kaizer Chiefs, where he made his name during his over-a-decade stint.
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