Willard Katsande is rapidly turning FC Oden into genuine top-four contenders after overseeing an impressive revival since taking charge of the MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League side.

The former Warriors captain continued his strong start in the FC Oden dugout on Sunday, guiding his side to a hard-fought 1-0 away victory over Golden Eagles, with Tinotenda Chipindu scoring the decisive goal in the 85th minute.

The victory was another statement of Oden’s growing resilience under Katsande, whose side has developed into one of the more difficult teams to break down in the Northern Region.

Katsande revealed after the match that he has now managed six games since taking over, five in the league and one in the cup, with the results suggesting that Oden are moving in the right direction.

The coach inherited the side in 10th position but has quickly instilled greater discipline and organisation, with Oden now sitting seventh on 40 points after 27 matches.

More importantly, the gap separating Oden from the top four is no longer daunting.

Fourth-placed Chingwere are on 44 points, while G&T Mine occupy fifth position on 43 points. CP Chemicals are sixth on 40 points, level with Oden but ahead on goal difference.

With the race for the upper positions tightly congested, Oden’s late-season surge has suddenly given Katsande’s side a realistic opportunity to challenge for a top-four finish.

Their latest victory over Golden Eagles also highlighted the tactical identity Katsande is developing.

Oden did not need to dominate possession to control the match. Instead, they remained compact, denied Golden Eagles space and patiently waited for their opportunity before Chipindu delivered the decisive blow late in the game.

“We were solid. We controlled them without the ball. They couldn’t find the spaces, and we turned them several times,” Katsande said after the match.

The approach is becoming a trademark of the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, who has placed a strong emphasis on preparation, discipline and playing to the team’s strengths.

Katsande said his experiences coaching in the Eastern Region taught him that no team can afford to underestimate an opponent.

“In the Eastern Region, I learned a lot, that any team can beat you if you don’t prepare well,” he said.

Asked whether he builds his team around his strengths and whether his midfield is becoming the foundation of the side, Katsande was emphatic.

“Yes, I build my team around my strengths,” he said.

That philosophy appears to be producing results, with Oden becoming increasingly difficult to beat and capable of grinding out victories even in tightly contested matches.

Katsande’s record since taking charge includes a 1-0 league victory over Rangers FC, a 1-0 triumph over Crocodile FC in the Mash West ZDF Trophy, a 3-0 victory against Karoi United, a 2-1 win over Chingwere and Sunday’s 1-0 success against Golden Eagles.

The results have given Oden renewed momentum at a crucial stage of the season.

The Northern Region title race is led by Black Rhinos, who are on 53 points, with Harare City second on 49. Ngezi Stars U19 and Chingwere occupy third and fourth positions respectively, both on 44 points.

But below them, the table is tightly packed, meaning Oden are only a short winning run away from forcing themselves into the top-four conversation.

Matchday 27 further demonstrated the competitiveness of the league, with only 10 goals scored across 10 matches. Black Rhinos beat Zambezi G&L 1-0, Chingwere edged Shamva Mine 1-0, Rangers defeated Jumbo Giants 1-0 and Ngezi Stars U19 beat Cranborne Bullets 2-0.

The narrow margins underline the importance of the defensive discipline Katsande has brought to Oden.

For the coach, however, the focus is not yet on making bold predictions.

When asked whether a top-four finish was now the realistic target, Katsande kept his response measured.

“That’s our aim, to keep improving,” he said.

He later reiterated his commitment to taking the campaign one match at a time.

“I promise the fans that we will keep improving game by game. Our focus is one game at a time and to finish in the best possible way.”

For a team Katsande found in 10th position, that improvement is already evident.

Now sitting seventh and within four points of the top four, FC Oden have given themselves a genuine chance of finishing among the Northern Region’s leading sides.

The remaining matches will determine whether Katsande’s early impact becomes a remarkable late-season push or the foundation of something bigger.