Zimpapers Logo

Onward Gangata in Gweru

FORMER Dynamos and Highlanders striker, Rodrick “The Prince” Mutuma has taken the first steps into coaching by completing the Zifa Introductory Coaching Licence in Gweru yesterday.

The Prince, as he was affectionately known, was one of the 50 participants who took part in the nine-day training course.
Other prominent footballers and former players who took part include Shadreck Malunga, former FC Platinum goalkeeper, Petros Mhari, former Monomutapa striker Kuda Musharu, Lameck Nhamo, Tineyi Chitora and 2014 Soccer Star of the Year, Denis Dauda.

But Mutuma was undoubtedly the stand out personality among the participants.
He said his desire to also play a part in developing the sport in the country inspired him to take up coaching.

Rodrick Mutuma

“When you look at our football at the moment, it is run by people who have no footballing background,” Mutuma told the Zimpapers Sports Hub.

“I did not want to be a coach but it pains me to see the game dying, so I decided to come back. What I know is soccer only, so I want to give back to the current players what I know best, which is football.”
Mutuma, a journeyman during his career also featured for local clubs such as CAPS United, Nichrut, Yadah and Bloemfontein Celtics in South Africa.

However, Mutuma said he would one day want to give back to DeMbare, a club that gave him fame.
“I played for a lot of teams from my days at Mvuma Stars, Zimalloys, Mimosa, BVM they all played a part in grooming me into the player I became. But it was at DeMbare that I blossomed and I love the club with all my heart,” he said.
He is convinced that one day he will sit it out on the touchline coaching Dynamos.

Dynamos FC

“I don’t know when, but I am sure I will one day sit at the dug out at Rufaro coaching the team. I’m sure I will definitely be a coach at DeMbare at some point.”

Zifa Midlands chairperson, Pervious Mathe encouraged the participants to keep in touch with the ever evolving football trends.
“Long back football used to be physical, but now it is tactical therefore, you have to keep in touch with the ever-changing systems in football.

“Hopefully all of you will come back as a group in April for the Caf D coaching licence and the subsequent courses to keep upgrading yourselves,” he told the participants.