Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FROM the school fields of Prince Edward in Harare to the technical benches of South Africa and Zimbabwe, Simon Marange has been quietly shaping a coaching journey rooted in discipline, youth development, and continental ambition.
At just 33 years old, Marange is among a new breed of African coaches earning attention for tactical insight and player nurturing at grassroots and national levels alike.
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Marange first made his name not on the sidelines, but on the pitch.
He attended Prince Edward School, one of Harare’s most prestigious institutions, before moving to the United States.
There, he enrolled at West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he played as a midfielder for the Bobcats soccer team in 2012.
He made eight appearances in his sophomore season, starting once and notching two assists, a modest record, but enough to shape his understanding of structured football.
After hanging up his boots, Marange turned his attention to coaching. It was in South Africa that he found his coaching feet, joining Orlando Pirates in 2018.
Starting with the club’s Under-17s, he made headlines two years later when he led them to victory in the Future Champions Trophy, defeating the likes of Osasuna, Club Brugge, and Spartak Moscow, a feat only previously matched by youth sides from Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.
From 2020 to 2023, he oversaw the Pirates Under-21s, and by 2023 had been promoted to coach the reserve team, working closely with top-tier coaches including Fadlu Davids, Josef Zinnbauer, Rulani Mokwena, and Mandla Ncikazi. Within the junior ranks, he formed strong partnerships with the likes of Mandla Qhogi and Joseph Makhanya, enhancing his understanding of developmental structures in a competitive club setting.
Marange’s work at Pirates didn’t go unnoticed. In March 2024, the Zimbabwe Football Association Normalisation Committee appointed him head coach of the Zimbabwe U-20 national team, a significant vote of confidence despite his lack of senior coaching experience in Zimbabwe.
He was assisted by Aces Youth Academy head coach Backlyfield Chivenga.
In 2025, he took the reins of the Young Warriors (U23) for the Cosafa Cup. Zimbabwe exited in the group stage, but Marange earned praise for their spirited final group match, a 3–1 win over Mozambique.
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya starred with a brace, and although Zimbabwe were edged out by South Africa on goal difference, it was seen as a promising sign of his tactical adaptability under pressure.
After seven fruitful years, Marange parted ways with Orlando Pirates this month. His farewell, posted on social media, was filled with gratitude:
“Incredible teams, unbelievable talents, and obsessed staff. Thank you for giving me a platform to chase my dreams, till next time.”
That “next time” came quickly. In a move that signals his continued rise, Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit Upington City FC confirmed Marange as assistant coach to Abram Mongoya for the 2025/26 season.
The club, which finished 12th last season, is undergoing a rebuild with the goal of achieving promotion to the Betway Premiership.
Marange’s new role marks his first senior professional club coaching job. While his long-term future may still involve Zimbabwe’s national teams, for now, he’ll be helping Upington City reshape their identity, bringing his sharp eye for talent, developmental ethos, and fresh perspective to the Northern Cape.
