By Decide Nhendo
Born and raised in Gutu Masvingo, FC Wangu Mazodze’s new head coach John Nyikadzino has acquired qualifications that may take the Masvingo-based side to new heights.
Nyikadzino is a holder of different football qualifications which include Confederation of African Football A (CAF A), the highest qualification in Zimbabwean football from CAF which is the soccer mother body in Africa, an Advanced Level 4 Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) certificate, an International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) Elite Fitness course, FIFA Educator course as well as several refresher courses some of which were conducted by foreign football organizations like the Spanish side Barcelona.
Nyikadzino told TellZim News he started his football career as a player when he played for Midlands side Gweru United (Pisa Pisa) between 1997 and 1998.
He then went into coaching when he was given a chance to lead Chapungu FC Juniors where he spent four years. He also said Chapungu FC team played an important role in building his capacity as he said they granted him a chance to study coaching courses whilst the team paid the costs.
“I played soccer for Gweru United which was known as Pisa Pisa in 1997 and from there I went on to coach Chapungu Juniors.
“I am forever grateful for the team because of their support. The team played a vital role in my coaching career as they paid for my first courses while I coached their junior side,” said Nyikadzino.
He said he was later promoted to coach the senior team whilst playing for Division 1 and registered a single lose that season before the team was promoted into the Premier Soccer League (PSL) the same year.
“In 2013 I was appointed coach at Chapungu FC in Division 1 and we lost only one match, and we were promoted into PSL. From 2014-2016 I was the head coach of Chapungu in PSL,” he said.
Nyikadzino moved from Chapungu to Shurugwi side Nichrut FC in 2017 and again his team was promoted into PSL after losing three matches throughout the season.
In 2018 he had a short break after he was involved in a serious accident and he had to seek treatment while his team continued to play.
In 2020, Covid-19 nearly brought all activities globally to a halt and soccer in Zimbabwe was not spared too, but soon after the pandemic in 2021-2022 he was appointed head coach at Gweru side Sheasham FC which was promoted to PSL from Division 1 unbeaten.
He went on with Sheasham to PSL and he was relieved after playing 13 games, where he had more draws, one win and three loses.
He then found his way to FC Wangu Mazodze where he replaced George Magariro whose contract lapsed last season with the team finishing on number three despite being log leaders for the better part of the season.
Speaking on his promotion Nyikadzino said he is happy to lead a team from his home province and said his focus was bringing PSL to Mucheke Stadium.
“I am very delighted to have such an opportunity to work here as a coach because my roots are in this province and I am going to fight hard to ensure we achieve our goal to be in PSL by end of season,” he said.
He also said as a team they were going to take advantage of support from the team’s owner Dr Mazodze who he said was doing tremendous work for the communities through jobs and entertainment and will repay him with a PSL promotion.
