Chronicle Editor
Lovemore Dube
OUTSPOKEN football coach Cosmas Zulu believes he is done with club football and is seeking a new challenge in the game.
Zulu wants to coach at a boarding school and work with neighbouring schools to develop gems.
“I have had my time with club football. There have been happy moments to cherish, yes, there have also been some highs too.
“I think I am a stage where I want something challenging where the community and soccer family will evaluate my contribution and touch tangibles,” said Zulu.
He said in his next football challenge he would love to be at a boarding school where he can be the resident coach.
“Tsano, I will do wonders trust me. I want to be a boarding school resident coach and introduce a football programme that will see the school benefit from Fifa development funds. We will be producing players that will be ripe for the market. You can imagine starting off with 13-year-olds as they arrive as Form Ones and working with them consistently while they do their school work and combine with football, we will churn out good players. The school teams will shine, we’ll also groom the teachers to be better coaches. With 57 years of football in Bulawayo, I am keen to give back to the community and game that gave me so much.
“Highlanders made me what I am. They gave me a chance to play and later to coach. They even took me abroad to learn. The only way would be to get to an environment where I can be the resident coach and develop players for the team and others,” said Zulu.
He emphasised that his focus will not be his school only but neighbouring schools as well.
“My school will not be an island. It has to develop with neighbours. I would also share my expertise with both surrounding primary and secondary schools so that the development is holistic. Neighbouring schools need to play together and develop at the same pace to create good competition,” said Zulu who added that he was ready to start working.
Zulu (71), is a former Midlands Combined, Bushbucks, Olympics, Zimbabwe Saints and Highlanders striker.
He has coached a number of clubs in the country but had a lengthy and successful stay at Highlanders.
Online Reporter