Kaizer Chiefs legend Tinashe Nengomasha adds sports management qualification

Tinashe Nengomasha is preparing for the next stage of his career by graduating from the FIFA/CIES International Programme in Sports Management at Nelson Mandela University.

The former Kaizer Chiefs defensive midfielder has focused on developing his skills away from the pitch, having moved into football administration after ending his playing career. He is currently working as team manager of Zimbabwean club CAPS United, who have established a reputation as cup specialists in the country.

Nengomasha’s qualification is offered by Nelson Mandela University in partnership with the International Centre for Sport Studies. The programme is designed as an advanced short learning course covering selected areas of sports management.

Its stated objective is to give participants practical tools to improve the way they run federations, associations and clubs, while taking into account the sporting realities of South Africa and neighbouring countries.

That training comes as Nengomasha continues to build experience in his administrative role at CAPS United. The club’s head coach is Takesure Chiragwi, with former Orlando Pirates midfielder Josephy Kamwendo serving as one of two assistant coaches.

Nengomasha and Chiragwi previously worked together at Ngezi Platinum. During that period, they won the league title and the Castle Challenge Cup, while also gaining experience in the CAF Champions League.

The Zimbabwe international’s standing in the game was established during an outstanding spell with Kaizer Chiefs. He joined the club in the 2001/02 season and left in June 2012, having collected every major honour available to him in South African football.

His individual accolades included the KICK OFF Footballer of the Season award, as well as both the PSL Player of the Season and the Players’ Player of the Season prizes.

In team competition, Nengomasha helped Kaizer Chiefs win the league title, the Coca-Cola Cup, the ABSA Cup, the SAA Supa8/MTN8 and the Telkom Knockout.

He made more than 300 appearances for the club and became one of its most respected figures. His performances in midfield, particularly his durability and disciplined defensive work, earned him the nickname ‘Father’ and secured his status as a Kaizer Chiefs legend.

After leaving Naturena, Nengomasha continued his playing career with Wits and Mpumalanga Black Aces.

His influence during the PSL era means he remains highly regarded by supporters and those involved in South African football. Any discussion about the finest defensive midfielder to represent Kaizer Chiefs, or even the PSL more broadly, is difficult to complete without mentioning the former Zimbabwe international.

Now, through his work at CAPS United and his FIFA/CIES qualification, Nengomasha is seeking to make a further contribution to the sport in a new role.