The Orlando Pirates logo. Image: Pirates media.
Orlando Pirates coach lands exciting new international gig!
An Orlando Pirates coach has been rewarded for his impressive rise in the coaching world by scoring an exciting new international gig!
The Orlando Pirates logo. Image: Pirates media.
Orlando Pirates reserve coach Simon Marange has been unveiled as the new Zimbabwean Under 20 head coach.
Marange made a name for himself in the Buccaneers youth structures before working his way up to the reserve side.
The Zimbabwean Football Association confirmed his appointment this week, with Backlyfied Chivenga being named as his assistant coach.
It remains to be seen whether his new coaching gig will spell the end of his journey at Orlando Pirates.
Orlando Pirates reserve coach unveiled as Zimbabwe youth coach
“ZIFA is pleased to announce that Simon Marange has been appointed as the new Head Coach of the U20 men’s Zimbabwe national team,” the association said.
“Simon Marange currently serves as the Orlando Pirates reserve team coach. He was promoted from the U21s of Pirates whom he coached from 2020-2023.
“He brings to Zimbabwe football, his strength and experience. He’s been working with elite youth players in their professional development phase, bridging the last step into professional football. Simon Marange will be assisted by former Aces Academy head coach Backlyfield Chivenga.”
In other news, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has commented on rising Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng’s impressive form.
The incredibly talented teenager has taken the Premier Soccer League (PSL) by storm after making his first team debut late last season.
Many fans were expecting to see Mofokeng’s name in Broos’ latest Bafana Bafana squad for upcoming friendlies against Andorra and Algeria.
It wasn’t to be for Mofokeng after he was a notable admission from Broos’ squad; however, the Belgian mentor has commented on the rising Orlando Pirates star’s form!
Broos keeping a close eye on rising Bucs star
“For me, another one I have to watch for the future is Mofokeng. This is a guy with potential,” Hugo Broos said, as quoted by Soccer Laduma.
“So, when you see that from a young guy from the team of Orlando Pirates and then you can only be happy. That’s as the coach of a national team because we saw what happened on the AFCON.
“Those were also not boring games. From the first minute, everyone is playing like they’re playing for their lives.
“They (Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs) go for 100%. Maybe more so, and when you’re not used to doing that in the PSL, it’s very difficult to do that on that international level. That’s why we need to raise the level of PSL.”
