By Sports writer
FORMER Dynamos and Highlanders striker, Rodreck Mutuma has taken up coaching courses in preparation for a future coaching role.
He is part of the 50 participants at the on going ZIFA introductory coaching license at Chaplin High in Gweru.
The week long training course began last week and will end today.
Mutuma, a maverick during his playing days said the desire to save football motivated him to take up coaching classes.
“When you look at our football at the moment, it’s run by people who have no footballing background,” he said.
“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 what I know.”
Other former players taking part include Shadreck Malunga, Petros Mhari,Kuda Musharu, Patrick Khumbula and Nelson Tachi.
Former soccer star of the year Denis Dauda is also part of the cohort.
Mutuma, one of the few players in the country to have featured for Dynamos, Highlanders and Caps United expressed his undying love for Dembare.
He said that he is positive that one day he will lead the former league champions in a coaching capacity.
“I played for a lot of teams, they all played a part in grooming me into the player I became,”he added.
“But it was at Dembare that i blossomed and i love the club with all my heart.
“I don’t know when, but i am sure i will one day sit at the dug out at Rufaro coaching the team.”
PLAYERS CHALLENGED
Veteran coach and instructor Benedict Moyo is the chief instructor and is being assisted by Joe Maposa and Rejoice Moyo.
He challenged current players to consider taking coaching lessons during their playing days.
“Players need to take up coaching courses while they are still playing,” the former mighty warriors coach said.
“It gives them a better appreciation of concepts and their application in match day situations.
“This program is ideal for young coaches as it lays the base for the other coaching badges.”
The ZIFA introductory coaching license is the entry point into coaching in the country.
Much focus is on the tactical, technical and physical aspects of the game.
Of the 50 participants, four are females, Moyo said the next intake will be after six months.
