After quitting Grand Legacy FC in Zimbabwe’s first-division league six days ago, former Kaizer Chiefs and Sekhukhune United midfielder Willard Katsande has been appointed FC Oden head coach with immediate effect.
Katsande made a sudden U-turn to join FC Oden in Zimbabwe’s Northern Region Soccer League, having initially agreed terms with Green Fuel FC in the Eastern Region Soccer League. FC Oden becomes Katsande’s third club in Zimbabwe, five months after he marked his coaching debut in his home country.
His first stint was at Rangers FC in the Northern Region Soccer League before taking charge of Grand Legacy FC. Katsande returned to Zimbabwe in March at the start of the 2026 season to join Rangers FC. He left Rangers FC in a huff, after 54 days, due to issues that included poor living conditions and non-remuneration.
Katsande went on to join Eastern Region Soccer League side Grand Legacy FC in May. Nevertheless, he left under similar circumstances, this time citing issues of interference in his work.
The retired midfielder tendered his resignation to Grand Legacy FC last Friday as he prepared to join Green Fuel FC after playing in the Kaizer Chiefs legends match before the Toyota Cup between Scottland FC and Amakhosi.
Shockingly, he ditched Green Fuel FC at the eleventh hour after being presented with what seemed to be a better offer for a coach in the country’s lower league.
Katsande left Grand Legacy FC in fourth position with 35 points in the 19-team Eastern Region Soccer League after 18 rounds of fixtures. Additionally, he inherits FC Oden, who are ninth in the 22-team Northern Region Soccer League after 21 matches.
WILLARD KATSANDE APPOINTED FC ODEN COACH AFTER GRAND LEGACY EXIT
On Thursday evening, FC Oden confirmed the appointment of Katsande to the helm of the Chinhoyi-based club. Additionally, Katsande will be assisted by Itai Chiwara.
“FC Oden is proud to officially welcome Willard Katsande as our Head Coach and Itai Chiwara as our Assistant Coach. Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our club. We are honoured to have two dedicated football minds join the FC Oden family,” reads the club statement.
“Your experience, leadership, passion, and commitment to excellence will inspire our players, supporters, and the entire community. Together, we look forward to building a strong, disciplined, and winning team that will proudly represent the FC Oden badge.
“We believe that under your guidance, greater achievements are ahead. To our supporters, let us unite behind our new technical team as we embark on this exciting journey together.”
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