Former Kaizer Chiefs player Willard Katsande says he would be willing to coach the Zimbabwe national football team for free.
The reason goes back to a moment that changed his career forever.
The former Kaizer Chiefs midfield enforcer revealed that the Warriors played a crucial role in helping him secure his move to Naturena after he was released by Ajax Cape Town.
Speaking to Zimpapers Network TV, Katsande said he feels indebted to the national team because that opportunity ultimately led him to one of the biggest clubs in South African football.
Warriors opened the door for Kaizer Chiefs move
Katsande explained that his fortunes changed while he was in camp with Zimbabwe for a friendly match against Zambia national football team.
At the time, the midfielder had just been told by Ajax Cape Town coach Maarten Stekelenburg that he was not part of his plans.
However, the then Zimbabwe coach Norman Mapeza called him up for national duty.
That decision would soon change everything.
According to Katsande, Bobby Motaung travelled to Zimbabwe to watch defender Lincoln Zvasiya during the friendly.
While scouting the defender, Motaung asked former Chiefs midfielder Tinashe Nengomasha about Katsande.
That conversation sparked interest in the tough-tackling midfielder.
Before the national team camp ended, Chiefs had already decided to sign him.
Kaizer Chiefs deal sealed while Katsande was in national team camp
Katsande revealed that the deal was completed while he was still with the Warriors.
When he returned to South Africa, Ajax Cape Town’s coach reportedly asked him to sign a termination agreement.
But Katsande already knew his next destination.
“I told him not to worry because I was joining Kaizer Chiefs,” Katsande recalled.
According to the midfielder, Ajax officials confirmed that Chiefs had already paid the transfer fee.
Once the coach received confirmation, he wished Katsande well.
The Zimbabwean midfielder then moved to Naturena, where he went on to become a fan favourite and one of the club’s most respected players.
Why Katsande feels he owes Zimbabwe
Looking back, Katsande says the opportunity with the Warriors made the transfer possible.
Without the national team call-up, he believes Chiefs may never have noticed him.
That is why he feels deeply grateful to the Zimbabwe national team.
“Do you know why I owe the Zimbabwe national team a lot?” Katsande said.
“I can coach it for free. For me to play for Kaizer Chiefs, it was because of the national team, nobody knows that.”
The former chiefs star has taken the next step in his football career after being appointed head coach of Rangers FC.
The club, previously known as Chinhoyi Rangers, competes in the Northern Region Division One League in Zimbabwe and is based in Chinhoyi.
