Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
HE used to run the show in midfield. Now he wants to call the shots from the sidelines.
Fortune “Fokoza” Ncube, the former Warriors, Hwange, Bantu Rovers, and Black Mambas star, is closing in on his Caf B coaching badge and a big return home could be on the cards.
Now 39 and based in Johannesburg, Fokoza is just two modules away from completing the prestigious coaching licence. The final whistle on his training blows in August, and he’s fired up for his next chapter.
“I started the Caf B course last month. We’re taking a module each week. I should be done by August,” said Ncube.
“I’m ready to come back home. I want to give back and share what I’ve learned.”
This isn’t his first coaching move. Fokoza bagged his Caf C licence back in 2016, alongside a who’s who of local football legends including Joel “Dubai” Luphahla, Gift Lunga Jr, Thomas Sweswe, Britto Gwere, Maronga Nyangela, Jack Mutandagari, Tawanda Marimo Chapungu and Simba Makoni.
But with Zimbabwe’s Caf suspension blocking progress, Fokoza made the bold move to South Africa to continue chasing his dream.
“I had to come here to keep going. I’ve been pushing with the likes of Esrom Nyandoro. It wasn’t easy, but now we’re hopeful of starting Caf A next August,” he said.
The coaching bug hit him hard. Last year, he worked as a match analyst for Platinum City Rovers in the South African lower leagues under coach Tlou Segolela. He also ran one-on-one training sessions with top dogs like Thapelo Maseko of Mamelodi Sundowns and Tobias Van Merwe of Sekhukhune United.
And it’s not just about coaching. Fokoza has stacked up sports qualifications too. He holds:
• Sport Management Level 1 and 2 certificates (2021)
• A Sporting Clube de Portugal EAS Basic Certificate earned in Portugal (2019)
For Fokoza, it’s simple.
“It’s all about staying ready. Keep learning. Keep growing.”
From anchoring midfield to mentoring the next generation, Fokoza’s comeback story is only just beginning.
Bongani Ndlovu