Rodwell Dhlakama Biography | Early Life & Education | Qualifications | Clubs Coached | Playing Career
This is the biography of Rodwell Dhlakama, a Zimbabwean football coach currently managing Hwange Football Club in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League. He has a diverse coaching background, having led several teams both locally and abroad.
Early Life and Education
Dhlakama was born at Mhondoro Ngezi rural hospital. During his early life, he was raised by his maternal grandparents, as his parents had relocated to Chipinge. Tragedy struck when his grandmother, Regina Tshakalisa Mutizira, passed away while he was still in Form 3 at Ngezi High School. After being expelled from Ngezi High, Dhlakama transferred to Dondoshava Secondary School.
In a challenging period of his life, a local shopkeeper, Chipo Marunza, helped him travel to Harare by giving him a $5 note. However, after boarding a bus to Mutare, he was forced off in Nyazura when it was discovered he hadn’t paid the fare. Dhlakama walked the remaining 45 kilometres to Mutare, leaving his luggage on the bus. Eventually, his sister secured a place for him at Dangamvura High School, despite difficulties due to the lack of a transfer letter.
Dhlakama excelled in sports from a young age, particularly in athletics and football, when he played as a striker.
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Qualifications
Dhlakama holds several coaching certificates, having completed all four levels of soccer coaching in Zimbabwe. His qualifications include a FIFA Solidarity Course, an Olympic Committee Certificate for Football Coaches, and a British Eurospace Certificate for coaching. He also holds a Diploma in Education from Belvedere Technical Teachers’ College and initially worked as a high school teacher and coach in Shurugwi.
Playing Career
Dhlakama’s playing career was cut short due to an ankle injury at the age of 20. Before his injury, he played for several prominent teams, including Tanganda and Zupco Mutare, in the Eastern Highlands. Despite the injury ending his playing days, his passion for football remained strong, leading him into coaching.
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Coaching Career
Dhlakama has had a long and varied coaching career. He achieved significant success with the Zimbabwe U-17 national team, leading them to the Under-17 Africa Youth Championships in Algeria in 2009. He also led Monomotapa Football Club to the group stages of the CAF Champions League, defeating well-known teams such as ASEC Mimosas (Côte d’Ivoire), Ajax Cape Town (South Africa), and Simba FC (Tanzania).
He coached successfully in Swaziland and worked with Blue Swallows Football Club before his appointment at Chapungu Football Club. He also coached the Midlands Under-20 side, guiding them to victory in the Peter Ndlovu Trophy and the National Youth Games. His success with youth teams earned him the role of national schools select side coach, where he won two gold medals in tournaments against Malawi and Zambia.
Dhlakama’s first club coaching roles came in the Midlands, assisting Kwekwe Cables and Chrome Stars in successful campaigns for promotion to the Premier Soccer League. He later helped Zimasco United earn promotion to Division One in 2005.
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Ngezi Platinum F.C.
In September 2019, Dhlakama was appointed interim coach of Ngezi Platinum F.C., leading the team to a top-four finish. His performance earned him the full-time coaching role, but in February 2022, he resigned after being placed on forced leave.
ZPC Kariba and Black Leopards
In May 2022, Dhlakama became the interim coach of ZPC Kariba, replacing Godfrey Tamirepi. Later that year, he joined Black Leopards in South Africa, signing a three-year contract. After a leadership reshuffle at the club, Dhlakama was demoted and subsequently left the team.
Green Fuel Football Club
In April 2023, Dhlakama took over as head coach of Green Fuel Football Club. He led the team to a 10th-place finish in the league but resigned in April 2024 after refusing to agree to a performance ultimatum. At the time of his departure, the team was in 12th place.
Hwange Football Club
On 23 May 2024, Dhlakama was appointed head coach of Hwange Football Club, tasked with helping the team avoid relegation in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
