Willard Katsande: Kaizer Chiefs Legend Quits Coaching Role Unexpectedly

• Kaizer Chiefs legend Willard Katsande leaves his coaching role unexpectedly after being in charge of the club for 54 days
• The former Premier Soccer League star took to social media to announce his decision to leave his role as a coach
• The former Sekhukhune United midfielder didn't share the reason behind his decision in the post he shared online

Kaizer Chiefs icon Willard Katsande has left his coaching position at Rangers FC, a side that plays in Zimbabwe’s Northern Region Division One League.

The 40-year-old was appointed as head coach of the Chinhoyi-based club in March this year and officially began his duties at the start of that month.

Katsande had taken on the role as his first significant coaching challenge in Zimbabwe, with hopes of guiding Rangers FC to success in the Northern Region Soccer League. However, his time in charge proved to be brief.

In related news, South African coach Michael Masilo Modubi landed a new coaching job in Europe, while Quinton Fortune recently bagged a new managerial role with the Serbian national team.

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Katsande's career in the Premier Soccer League

Nicknamed “Salt & Vinegar” during his playing days, Katsande was widely recognised for his tough, disciplined presence in midfield after joining Kaizer Chiefs from the now-defunct Ajax Cape Town in 2011.

During his decade with the Soweto giants between 2011 and 2021, he made 346 appearances in all competitions, contributing 19 goals and 10 assists.

He also captained the club and helped them secure two league titles as well as the MTN8 trophy.

After leaving Naturena, the former Zimbabwe international signed for Sekhukhune United in 2022 before eventually retiring from professional football shortly thereafter.

Katsande's leaves Rangers FC

Although Katsande did not disclose the reasons behind his departure, while confirming his exit on social media, expressing gratitude to the club.

“Great group of players,” he wrote on X, adding, “Thank you FC Rangers for the opportunity.”

According to FARPost, the reason the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder decided to leave his post as Rangers coach was due to two key issues that were limiting his progress at the First Division side.

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In his resignation letter, published by FARPost, the former Zimbabwean international highlighted unpaid wages and unsatisfactory working and living conditions as the primary factors behind his sudden departure from the club.

There are indications that Katsande could be heading to FC Oden, a Chinhoyi-based side similar to Rangers FC. He was also seen attending a Caps United training session three days before resigning. While his next move is not yet confirmed, all signs point to him remaining within Zimbabwe’s domestic football scene for the time being.

At the same time, the PSL legend has ambitions of taking charge of Zimbabwe’s Under-20 and Under-23 national teams. His choice to work in the country’s lower divisions is driven by a long-term plan to climb the coaching ladder.

Kaizer Chiefs make a major announcement

Briefly News also reported that Kaizer Chiefs unveiled a new milestone in the club's history on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The Soweto giants joined the likes of Betway Premiership sides Mamelodi Sundowns, TS Galaxy and Stellenbosch FC to have such an incredible feat.

Source: Briefly News