Katsande’s FC Oden growing into one of NRSL’s tough teams to beat
Willard Katsande’s impressive start to life in the FC Oden dugout continued on Sunday after guiding his side to a hard-fought 1-0 away victory over Golden Eagles in the MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League.
Tinotenda Chipindu’s solitary 85th winner did the job for Katsande’s troops.
The narrow victory not only secured maximum points but further underlined the transformation the former Warriors captain has brought to the Mashonaland West outfit.
Since taking charge, Katsande has overseen six matches, five league fixtures and one cup game and has quickly turned Oden into one of the most difficult teams to play against. His side has become defensively compact, tactically disciplined and comfortable controlling matches even without dominating possession.
Oden’s recent performances have shown a team that is organised, patient and capable of frustrating opponents before capitalising on their chances.
Katsande’s record so far includes a 1-0 league victory over Rangers FC; his first win as head coach, a 1-0 triumph over Crocodile FC to lift the Mash West ZDF Trophy, an emphatic 3-0 win over Karoi United, a 2-1 victory against Chingwere FC and Sunday’s 1-0 success over Golden Eagles.
Speaking after the win over Golden Eagles, Katsande praised his players for executing the game plan and maintaining their discipline throughout the contest.
“It was another difficult away game, but the boys showed great character and discipline. We knew we had to be organised, remain patient and take our opportunity when it came,” said Katsande.
“I’m happy with the commitment from the players because they followed the game plan and earned a very important three points,” he added.
The former Kaizer Chiefs midfield workhorse also stressed that the team remains focused on continuous improvement.
“We are taking it one game at a time. There’s still a lot of work to do, but I am pleased with the attitude in the squad. Every match is another opportunity to improve, and we want to keep building this winning mentality,” Katsande said.
Elsewhere, Black Rhinos finally returned to winning ways, edging Zambezi G&L 1-0 to maintain their push at the summit of the Northern Region Soccer League standings.
It was a weekend dominated by disciplined defending, with only 10 goals scored across the 10 Matchday 27 fixtures. Remarkably, Batanai’s 2-1 victory over Banket United was the only match in which both teams found the back of the net, highlighting just how tight and competitive the round proved to be.
MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League – Matchday 27 Results
- Karoi United 0-0 Harare City
- PAM 0-0 Highrange
- G&T 1-0 Marere
- Ngezi Platinum U19 2-0 Cranborne Bullets
- Rangers 1-0 Jumbo Jets
- Golden Eagles 0-1 FC Oden
- Black Rhinos 1-0 Zambezi G&L
- Chingwere 1-0 Shamva Mine
- CP Chemicals 0-0 Pirates
- Batanai 2-1 Banket United
