Willard Katsande suffered his first defeat since taking charge of FC Oden after his side fell to a narrow 1-0 loss to CP Chemicals in the Northern Region Division One League at Gwanzura Stadium on Wednesday.
The defeat ended Katsande’s unbeaten start to life at the Chinhoyi-based club, having guided Oden to five wins and a draw in his opening six matches.
Katsande took over a side that was sitting 10th on the log, but his impressive run has seen FC Oden climb into fourth position and emerge as potential title contenders.
However, Katsande insists his initial objective was not to chase the championship, but to build a competitive side that would be difficult for any opponent to face.
“If we are to be included in the title contenders, so let it be, but our goal is to have a side which every team doesn’t like to play against,” said Katsande.
Despite suffering defeat against CP Chemicals, Katsande was satisfied with his players’ performance and believes the team is moving in the right direction.
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“We played a good game. We are really improving in the direction we need. The performance was top-class and I’m satisfied with my boys,” he said.
FC Oden have developed a reputation for being clinical in front of goal, having previously punished opponents by converting their chances. Against CP Chemicals, however, they were unable to turn their opportunities into goals.
“We got punished in a critical phase of the game. We made one mistake and they capitalised. We dominated the game in all aspects, but we couldn’t convert our chances,” Katsande said.
For Katsande, the defeat also provided an important lesson about the competitiveness of the Northern Region Division One League.
“The biggest lesson is that all teams are tough in this league. We got an eye-opener. The next match is about continuity as far as the performance is concerned. We are heading in the right direction,” he said.
Despite the setback, FC Oden remain fourth on the Northern Region Division One League table, with Katsande now focused on maintaining the progress made during his short spell in charge.
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