Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Kaizer Chiefs enforcer Willard Katsande, is quietly positioning himself for a coaching role at Highlanders, hinting that the pressure-cooker environment at Amakhosi was ideal preparation. Now armed with a CAF C diploma and running a thriving youth academy in Johannesburg, mostly filled with Zimbabwean youngsters, Katsande is reconnecting with local football circles, possibly laying the groundwork for a return home.
His decision to remain in Bulawayo after a ceremonial visit to Gwanda, while teammate Itumeleng Khune flew back to South Africa, spoke volumes. Katsande didn’t just attend Sunday’s Highlanders vs. Ngezi Platinum Stars clash at Barbourfields Stadium. He made it clear: he’s open to coaching Bosso.
“Yes, yes why not. Remember I played for Kaizer Chiefs, I know the pressure. If they allow me to come here and join Highlanders, why not,” said Katsande, who has now completed his CAF C diploma.
This was his first time back at Barbourfields since 2009, when he played there with Gunners as a relatively unknown midfield anchorman. The atmosphere, he said, still has the same electric pull.
“I last came here in 2009 and I think we lost 1–0. Coming here to Barbourfields as a young boy growing up, knowing Barbourfields Stadium as the home of Highlanders, means a lot. I came with fear, knowing those Richard Chorumas and Charles Chilufya,” he recalled.
On Sunday, he was back, this time in the stands, soaking in the same aura that once overwhelmed him on the pitch.
“Today I am here as a fan. The atmosphere never changes,” he said during the break.
Katsande and Khune were in Zimbabwe at the invitation of a local businessman who built a mini-stadium near Manama in Gwanda. While Khune flew home the next morning, Katsande opted to stay and reconnect with the Bulawayo football community.
“The reason why I stayed behind is that I want to network with football people from Bulawayo. I have a football school in Johannesburg with three-quarters of the children from Zimbabwe and most from Bulawayo. It is good to be here, I enjoyed the match,” he said, speaking from a local eatery alongside businessman and councillor, Tawengwa Zidya.
He also had a brief meeting with former Zimbabwe international, Agent Sawu.
Katsande’s ambitions are no longer just about youth development. He’s made it clear that he sees himself on the touchline soon, and possibly at one of Zimbabwe’s biggest clubs.
