Katsande delighted with first league win as FC Oden coach

FC Oden coach Willard Katsande has showered his troops with praise following their crucial 1-0 victory over Rangers, in a MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League match played at Chinhoyi Stadium yesterday.

The former Warriors captain was recently appointed Oden coach and yesterday’s contest presented him with the perfect opportunity to collect his first set of three points as well as bragging rights at the expense of his former paymasters.

Dominic Koomson’s 72nd minute strike proved decisive for FC Oden, to the delight of Katsande, who had nothing but praise for his charges after the game.

“We knew what was at stake since it was a derby. Derbies are always difficult, it’s not about previous form, it’s about who wants it more on the day,” said Katsande.

“I think the opponents showed the desire they had to win and get bragging rights.

“We didn’t start well, in the first half, we had some difficulties but that’s how football is. I always tell my players that the opponent will always have a fair chance with the ball, the resilience and desire to do the unpopular thing, which is defending well, will keep you in the game.

“During the half time interval we spoke and we changed one or two things in our system and we came back a bit stronger, particularly in the context of denying them (Rangers) space behind the defence and we tighten up the screws a little bit,” added Katsande.

FC Oden players celebrate after scoring against Rangers in yesterday’s Chinhoyi derby. Picture: FC Oden

The former Kaizer Chiefs midfield workhorse insisted both teams had chances to win win the game but his changes were resilient and that paid dividends.

“I think it was a game of two halves, they had fair chances in the first half but we showed resilience in the first half to stay in the game and luckily, we managed to get the set piece, managed to score,” said Katsande.

“Set pieces decide games, as we saw in the recently concluded World Cup so if you pay attention, you will capitalize on them.

“After scoring, we then shut the door at the back because we all know playing derbies is always difficult.

“I’m proud of the boys, they did well and it’s also good for me because it’s the first win for me in the league and it gives us something to build on,” added Katsande.