Katsande targets South African coaching opportunities after completing CAF B course

Kaizer Chiefs legend Willard Katsande is upgrading his coaching qualifications with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and says he is keen to pursue opportunities in South Africa.

The Zimbabwean-born former Amakhosi midfielder is currently among the coaches completing a CAF B coaching course through SAFA, as he continues to build experience after beginning his managerial career earlier this year.

Katsande was appointed head coach of Zimbabwean second-tier side Chinhoyi Rangers at the start of the year, but left the club after only two months.

He then joined another team in the same division, Grand Legacy, in May. That spell was also brief, with Katsande recently departing the club.

In both cases, he resigned because of off-the-field issues.

Despite the short-lived nature of his first two coaching appointments, Katsande remains in demand. He has already been appointed by FC Oden, who compete in Zimbabwe’s Northern Region in the third tier.

That move represents a change from reports that he had agreed terms to join Green Fuel, who are based in the Eastern Region.

Katsande, nicknamed ‘Salt and Pepper’, told KickOff that he was excited to be progressing with his coaching education and viewed the course as an important part of his development.

“You know it’s always good to equip yourself and get the football knowledge, as a football person you don’t stop learning. How far I’ve gone with my coaching badges shows how serious I am, eager to learn, eager to add value in the football community,” Katsande said.

“So, I’m very excited, everyday I’m enjoying it. It’s always good to learn. As a coach and as a football player, it is totally different. In football, we use every day as a learning day.”

Katsande spent much of his playing career at Kaizer Chiefs, where he became known as a combative midfielder and established himself as a club favourite.

He is now hoping the experience gained in Zimbabwe, along with his coaching qualifications, will help him secure work in South Africa.

Asked whether he would be seeking coaching opportunities in the country, Katsande said his long-term plan was to develop his profile before returning with greater experience and knowledge.

“Yes, for sure. The whole idea is to build the profile and come back here, come back with a little bit of experience, a little bit of value. So, ja, why not?” the former midfield hard-tackler added.

Katsande began his coaching journey this year after moving into management following his playing career. His time at Chinhoyi Rangers and Grand Legacy ended sooner than expected, but he has since taken another step by joining FC Oden in the Northern Region.

Alongside his club responsibilities, he is continuing his studies through SAFA’s CAF B course, with the aim of adding to his coaching badges and contributing to the football community.