By Fanuel Chinowaita
Former Zimbabwe national football team captain Willard Katsande has officially begun his coaching career after being appointed head coach of Northern Region Soccer League side Rangers FC.
The Chinhoyi-based club appointed Katsande over the weekend, marking the former midfield enforcer’s first senior coaching role after a decorated playing career.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session on the Winning Goal Promotions WhatsApp platform yesterday, Katsande said the opportunity means a lot to him and promised to give his best.
“It means a lot to me. I’m very grateful for the opportunity. Kudos to Rangers for their bold move to appoint me. I’m going to give my best with passion and commitment,” he said.
Katsande revealed that the engagement held earlier with club officials was only a meet-and-greet, while the official press conference to unveil him as head coach is expected soon.
The former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder flew into Zimbabwe on Monday and is expected to meet the Rangers players before conducting his first training session.
He indicated that his appointment came through recommendations based on his developmental work with young players at his football academy.
Before taking up the Rangers job, Katsande had been coaching junior football in South Africa at Kitoko Soccer Schools.
The midfielder-turned-coach completed his CAF C coaching licence last year and has already enrolled for the CAF B licence as he continues to build his coaching credentials.
Katsande said he chose Rangers because the club shares his long-term football vision.
“They share the same vision with me to be in the PSL and grow together. Also the structure,” he said.
During the online interaction, the former Warriors captain also confirmed that the popular Katsande Tournament will return later this month in a Top 8 format.
Katsande, who enjoyed a successful career with Kaizer Chiefs in the South African Premier Division, remains one of Zimbabwe’s most respected football figures.
He also revealed that he is still waiting for feedback from the Zimbabwe Football Association after reports linking him with the Young Warriors coaching job.
Katsande previously captained the Zimbabwe national football team and said representing the country was one of the proudest moments of his football career.
“The feeling is great to represent your country. We grew up idolising legends before us,” he said.
The appointment signals the start of a new chapter for Katsande as he transitions from a successful playing career into football management.