Pirates cut ties with Zimbabwean coach

Orlando Pirates and development coach Simon Marange from Zimbabwe have parted ways after a seven-year marriage.

The Zimbabwean coach, who contributed to the Buccaneers’ youth setup, announced his departure on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, expressing gratitude for his time at the club.

Marange steadily built his reputation within the Soweto giants’ academy. From 2018 to 2020, he successfully led the Pirates Under-17 squad to victory in the prestigious Future Champions Trophy. Most recently, he served as the Under-21s coach, continuing his work in nurturing emerging talent.

His dedication and success at Pirates also caught the attention of the Zimbabwean National Team. In March 2024, he took on the role of head coach for the Under-20 side. Subsequently, he was entrusted with the Emerging Warriors team for the COSAFA 2025 tournament, where his squad secured a second-place finish in their group, behind Bafana Bafana.

Marange’s social media announcement conveyed his appreciation: “Seven years, incredible teams, unbelievable talents, obsessed staff. Thank you for giving me a platform to chase my dreams. Forever in my heart, Orlando Pirates. Thank you, management, for the faith, support and lessons learnt. Thank you to everyone who took this journey with me. Till next time.”

7 yrs,incredible teams, unbelievable talents,obsessed staff. Thank u for giving me a platform to chase my dreams. Forever in my heart @orlandopirates. Thank u management for the faith support&lessons. Thank u everyone who took this journey with me.Till next time #onceandalways pic.twitter.com/fXdynFJo6T

— Simon Marange (@Simon_Marange) July 5, 2025

While Marange’s next destination remains unconfirmed, his impressive work at Pirates has undoubtedly elevated his standing within Zimbabwean coaching circles, despite having no prior professional coaching experience in his home country.

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