Orlando Pirates youth coach Simon Marange has landed himself a national team job with the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), who appointed him as new U20 head coach.
The Zimbabwean, who spent many years playing college football in the USA, turned to coaching after hanging up his boots and has spent the past few years coaching at various levels in Pirates’ youth structures.
“ZIFA is pleased to announce that Simon Marange has been appointed as the new Head Coach of the U20 men’s Zimbabwe national team,” ZIFA stated on Tuesday.
“Simon Marange currently serves as the Orlando Pirates reserve team coach. He was promoted from the U21s of Orlando Pirates whom he coached from 2020-2023.
“Between 2018-2020, Marange was the U17 coach of Orlando Pirates, winning the Future Champions Trophy, beating Osasuna, Club Brugge and Spartak Moscow on the way to the final in a tournament boasting the likes of FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid as former winners.
“He brings to Zimbabwe football, his strength and experience in 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.”
