Clifton Kadurira is attempting to repeat the feat that made him a notable figure at Ngezi Platinum Stars, this time guiding Mutukwa Academy towards promotion from the ZIFA Mashonaland Central Division 2B.
Kadurira spent three and a half years at Ngezi, joining the club in Division One before helping it secure promotion to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League. He led the side to the 2015 ZIFA Northern Region Division One championship and was involved in its debut PSL season in 2016.
Now, he is rebuilding at Mutukwa Academy, where results must be balanced with developing young players.
“I took the team while it was in Division One and went with it to the PSL, so that is the same thing I’m doing for Mutukwa. We are aiming for Division One promotion,” Kadurira said.
He said coaching at academy level required him to adapt to the abilities of young players while helping them develop careers.
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“From the PSL side which we are used to, you have to adapt to the play of the youngsters and teach them how to play and market themselves,” he said.
With the season at matchday 19, Mutukwa Academy sits third on 31 points and remains in contention for promotion. Kadurira has overseen four matches since taking charge and believes the team is improving.
Club patron Colonel Edward Mutukwa said the target was promotion to the Northern Region Division One League.
“I want these boys to just win their games and play in the Division One side,” he said, adding that the club would need to win its remaining matches and the promotion play-offs.
Mutukwa also pays its players salaries and match-winning bonuses, providing financial motivation uncommon in lower-division football.
The club strengthened its squad this week by signing forward Jayden Bakari from PSL side Triangle United, adding top-flight experience to Kadurira’s young squad.
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