Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
EMERGING coach and former Warriors captain Willard Katsande says personal commitments and the need to advance his coaching career influenced his decision to resign as Grand Legacy head coach.
He is not going back despite speculation at the weekend that he might be talked into reversing his decision.
Katsande stepped down with immediate effect on Friday, ending a productive spell in which he guided the Eastern Region Soccer League side into championship contention and won the May Coach of the Month award.
Grand Legacy confirmed that they had accepted his resignation and thanked him for his contribution.
“I resigned for personal reasons. As a coach, you have targets and ambitions, and I recently enrolled for my CAF B Licence because I want to continue learning,” said Katsande.
“I want to go back to the drawing board, sharpen my coaching skills and prepare myself for the next chapter.”
Reports have linked Katsande with ambitious Eastern Region side GreenFuel, and top-flight side Simba Bhora.
He confirmed that discussions over new opportunities were taking place but declined to reveal his next destination.
“There are opportunities we are discussing, but this is football and you cannot say much before everything has been finalised,” said Katsande.
He left Grand Legacy fourth in the 19-team Eastern Region standings with 35 points after 18 matches, just five points behind log leaders Yadah who sits on 40 points.
Katsande joined the club in May after leaving Northern Region Soccer League outfit Rangers, where he had overseen seven matches. He attributed that departure to unpaid contractual obligations, unsuitable accommodation and poor working conditions.
His arrival at Grand Legacy produced an immediate turnaround.
Katsande believes the spell helped establish his coaching credentials beyond the combative playing style which earned him the nickname “Salt and Vinegar”.
“I thank Grand Legacy for giving me a platform to show people in Zimbabwe that Willard Katsande can coach,” said Katsande.
“When people hear my name, they may think I only coach players to tackle, but that is not me. Coaching is about improving players and developing the team.”
The former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder also thanked Grand Legacy president, Panganayi Nyamayaro and the players for supporting him during his tenure.
“I am grateful to Mr Nyamayaro because he was good to me from the first day. I worked with fantastic players who were eager to learn every day,” said Katsande.
“A coach is not judged only by trophies, but also by how much he improves individual players and the team. I believe I made a positive contribution at Grand Legacy.”
Although the resignation marked his second departure from a Zimbabwean club in a few months, Katsande maintained that he was focused on developing his career.
“People may think I should have stayed longer, but when one door closes, perhaps a bigger gate is opening,” said Katsande.
“It is time for me to move forward with my coaching career. I enjoyed my time at Grand Legacy and will continue supporting the club.”
