Former Warriors left guard Charles Yohane is heartbroken after Bidvest Wits’ development project collapsed, leaving him out of a job. Between 1997 and 2006, he held the record with 268 appearances for the club. The Wits sold their franchise to TTM, who will bring the first team to Polokwane from next season and change the name.
The development team and age group teams from under 13 to under 17 have been closed. “Until now, it hasn’t been in the newspapers and people don’t know what happened to Bidvest,” he said. “We’re still appalled that Wits is known for developing young people and they say they’ve sold their status, so, they’re closing the academy, quitting everything.
“So, we had to tearfully pass the letter to the youngsters to join whatever team they choose. “Unfortunately, it also affects us, we are now unemployed. We are getting small packages to move on in life.” The former Warriors defender said their program has produced quite a few players in the South African Premier League.
“I joined the program in 2008, but eight months later, because I had a time with FC AK, playing in the First Division, then I came back as a player/coach. “I’m playing and coaching and we have a lot of players like Sibusiso Villakazi in the reserves. “A lot of players in South Africa have gone through the Wits bandwagon and I’m proud that I’ve been a part of that development.
“That’s my desire, that’s why I’ve been at the club for ten years, my goal is ‘when I retire here, I’ll enjoy working in the development structure.’ “There’s nothing we can do, that’s life, so we have to live with it.
“But people have just heard the news and let us down. They’re leading the first team and development is shutting down, which is unfortunate, but that’s life.”
Yohane, who has been in South Africa for the past 23 years, said he was moving on and working with former Zimbabwe international Innocent Chikoya. “Maybe, one day I’ll come to coach and I’d love to do that. It’s always nice to be back (home),” he said.
“But, sometimes, you have to look at the environment and you see that there is money invested in your career where you can work and develop, as a coach. “I’m more of a South African than a Zimbabwean, this is where I’ve lived for the past 24 years since 1995, although in 1996 I briefly returned to CAPS United. “I can still serve my country.”
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