Chronicle Editor
Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
AT 35 years old, former Zimbabwe senior men’s national football team captain Willard Katsande is blessed to be still playing at the top level.
It is rare to see infield players going beyond 35 years and still competing at the topflight.
Only disciplined and dedicated players have managed to keep strutting it out on the field beyond 35 years, an age where they are viewed as old-horses because of their experience.
Born on January 15, 1986, in Mutoko, Mashonaland East province, Katsande is aware that he is in the twilight stage of his playing days and will soon be hanging his boots.
The gritty midfielder believes he still has at least two seasons before calling it a day.
Katsande left South African giants Kaizer Chiefs after a 10-year stint and scored his first goal for Sekhukhune United on Thursday when they beat AmaZulu 2-0 in a DStv Premiership match.
The Citizen screamed with the headline: “I’m a businessman, says Katsande after bagging first goal for Sekhukhune.”
And it’s true, Katsande has ventured into the construction business as he prepares for life after football.
After experiencing a poverty-stricken childhood, which demanded that he fends for his family at a tender age, Katsande is breaking generational curses by investing for the future.
“I want to be an influencer. I’m going to be busy when I hang up my boots. I’m proud that my brand is going to look after me for the rest of my life. I’m building for generations to come. If my kids want to join me in construction, I’ll welcome them. I need my kids to live a better life than mine,” said Katsande.
He spoke about how he had to forgo playing with other children to fend for his family.
“I was a herdsman. At times cows would stray and graze in someone’s fields while we were playing and we got into trouble. I had a tough upbringing, my sister got pregnant when she was 14 and I had to take care of her after the guy declined responsibility. I was two-years younger than my sister and had to adopt her child Kelvin Katsande, who I still call my son because I took the responsibility of raising him.
“Instead of playing with other kids, I used to go and look for piece jobs to feed my family. After being paid instead of buying myself things such as shoes, I had to provide for my son Kelvin first,” Katsande said.
The midfield hardman, who played over 300 matches for the Glamour Boys in his decade-long stay, said he was sharing his story to inspire those in similar situations never to give up.
“I might inspire someone. Now I’m into construction, my company is Katsande Partners. I’m thinking outside the box. I have a team that I work with. They are not my workers but we are a team and I always go and check what is happening at the sites.
“I’m also working on pushing my clothing line ‘Boss Yamboka’ and I should be launching it in January. We will be selling our products online. I want people to support the business, support your own brother. We have a team working on the clothing line, making sure that the prices are affordable and we produce quality items. We also have lovely work suit designs that make it possible to switch from work mode to business or casual wear,” said Katsande.
He is dressed by Boss Yamboka and also does custom-made outfits.
Katsande said he wishes to venture into coaching as well so that he gives back to the community.
He also harbours dreams of taking the Warriors to the World Cup as a coach.
“One day, God willing, I’ll coach the Warriors. I need to give back to my community. Who knows, maybe I might take the Warriors to the World Cup,” he said. — @ZililoR
Online Reporter