By Onward Gangata
WHEN Prince Matore joined Kwekwe United at the beginning of the year very few gave him the chance to lead them to glory.
After all, the thought of Kwekwe United gaining promotion was considered a long shot at best.
Sheasham, Chapungu and Tongogara were the bookmakers’ favorites for promotion from the ZIFA Central Region Soccer League.
Moreso, Matore’s departure from his previous employers, Chicken Inn, did not help matters either.
The Bulawayo side had a lukewarm 2023 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season which saw the former Motor Action captain being shown the exit.
But like the proverbial prince in shining armor, against all odds Matore led Kwekwe United to the winners podium.
This was by no means an ordinary feat.
By winning promotion, not only did he become king of the ring, but his side ended the mining town’s 16 year wait for top flight football.
The now defunct Lancashire Steel were the last team from the mining town to play play in the PSL in 2008.
“It was all about motivation, psyching the players,” Matore intimated to The Echo Sports.
“When you have average and below average players, you psyche them, instill discipline in them to become better,” he added.
Early stages of coaching career
Matore recalled how he learnt the ropes while still a player at Motor Action towards the twilight of his career.
He would often double up as captain and acting coach especially during difficult times at the club.
“I have been learning as a coach since 2008 when I began coaching,” he recalled.
“At Motor Action, i refused to be an assistant coach and remained as the captain.
“Each time a coach was fired, i would remain with the team and hand over to the new coach.
“It’s a cycle that kept going and it helped me to become a better coach.
“The experience is there although i have been underrated.
“What is important is that when you get a chance, try to express yourself, implement so that you do better.”
Throughout his coaching career, Matore has struggled to shrug off the ‘Joey Antipas sidekick tag.’
This however, does not bother him, he infact, speaks highly of Antipas whom he refers to as “mentor.”
“Yes they may say what they say but he is my mentor, he played a big part in my career,” revealed the 53 year old coach.
Plans for the new season
Promotion to the PSL is a huge leap, often times newly promoted sides struggle to preserve their status.
Kwekwe United owner and president, Dr Phil Makekera is cognisant of the tough task that lies ahead.
“The premiership is a different league from division one. It is a new territory for all of us,” he admitted.
“I have never had a team in the premier league, this is a new journey that requires hard work and hard work has already started.”
His coach concurred adding that they will need a totally different approach next season.
“PSL is not going to be easy we have to prepare well if we don’t it is going to be disaster we are going to the big boys and have to be switched on,”warned Matore.
