By Ronnie Chisamba
A former Zimbabwe Warriors soccer player who retired prematurely due to injury has finally found solace in coaching. Affectionately known as Buju by Amazulu F.C followers, his peers and soccer fans, Richard March (43) recently made a come back into the soccer arena after having acquired a Level 1 coaching certificate.
The achievement puts March back in the spotlight after almost 2 decades in media obscurity. This comes after gradual recovery from the trauma of shattered dreams usually associated with retirement as a result of injuries.
Born in Kadoma on 2 July 1977, the former Under 23 and Warriors central defender started playing soccer at a very tender age at Cam and Motor Primary School. March’s transfer to Eiffel Flats Primary did nothing to perturb his passion for the sport (soccer). He continued to play soccer throughout his primary school and even at a later stage at the secondary school level. This resulted in him representing Chemkute Secondary – the school he attended for secondary education at competitive levels such as the prestigious Coca-Coca Soccer Tournament.
During his youthful days in the mining town of Kadoma, March had the opportunity to interact and rub shoulders with some of Zimbabwe’s greatest soccer players. These are players who have made indelible marks on the local and international soccer scene. Among the players are Raphael ‘Rafa’ Phiri, Roy Mudyanyama, Shepherd Muradzikwa, Arnold Jani and Joseph Zulu.
Richard feels mentoring will enable him to identify and nurture the vast soccer talent that Zimbabwe has.
“l wasn’t able to achieve my full potential during my heydays. But maturity has made me realize that through assisting talented soccer players to reach great heights l will also be living my dream, ” said the soft-spoken father of four during a recent interview.
Richard joins an elite and legendary class of players who have ventured into soccer coaching after retirement.