Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
FORMER national soccer team and Kaizer Chiefs player, Willard Katsande, has been appointed head coach of Chinhoyi-based Rangers Football Club with immediate effect as the club intensifies its push for promotion to the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League.
The appointment was confirmed by club president Thomas Chidzomba, who said the move forms part of the club’s long-term strategy to strengthen the technical department and guide Rangers towards top-flight football.
“Rangers Football Club hereby announces the appointment of Willard Katsande as the head coach of the club with immediate effect,” said Chidzomba.
“The appointment has been made as part of the club’s strategic effort to strengthen the technical department and position Rangers FC for its long-term ambition of competing in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League.”
Katsande, a former captain of the Zimbabwe national football team, brings vast experience and leadership to the role after an illustrious playing career across Southern Africa.
He enjoyed the most successful period of his career with South African giants Kaizer Chiefs, where he made more than 300 appearances and established himself as one of the club’s most influential midfielders.
During his time at Amakhosi, Katsande helped the club win several major honours, including the South African Premier Division title, the Nedbank Cup and the MTN8.
Chidzomba said Katsande’s vast experience at the elite level would help instil professionalism and a winning mentality within the Rangers squad.
“Mr Katsande brings to Rangers FC an outstanding football pedigree and a leadership profile built over many years at the highest level of the game,” he said.
“Rangers FC believes his experience will be instrumental in instilling a winning mentality, strong discipline and high professional standards within the squad.”
Katsande has also played for Cape Town Spurs, Sekhukhune United and Gunners Football Club, giving him vast knowledge of the professional football environment in the region.
As part of a restructuring of the technical bench, former head coach Jonah Kahonde has been reassigned to the role of first assistant coach, while Simbarashe Gorogodyo will serve as second assistant coach.
“This restructuring reflects the club’s belief that success in football is built through collective strength, continuity and unity within the technical department,” said Chidzomba.
He added that the club remains united behind the new technical setup as it works towards achieving its ambitions.
“Rangers Football Club calls upon its supporters, stakeholders and the entire Rangers family to rally behind the technical team as the club enters an exciting new chapter in its journey toward top-flight football.”
Katsande said he was ready to steer the Rangers FC ship to PSL in 2027. Rangers Football Club was formerly known as Chinhoyi Rangers FC.
