Zimpapers Logo

WITH Kaizer Chiefs fans still wondering why midfield workhorse Willard Katsande has been such a rare feature for the club in their recent games, coach Ernst Middendorp has offered an explanation they probably won’t like.

There appears to be no room for the Zimbabwean in the Amakhosi line-up lately and he could very well have to double his efforts to change that.

Speaking to the media after Chiefs beat Highlands Park 3-2 in an Absa Premiership match on Saturday night, Middendorp suggested that Katsande’s omission was due to a selection process.

“On our side, it is the normal way of choosing players. If we think the player should be in the 20 (for the matchday squad), then we look into it with certain ideas. Sometimes players are in, sometimes players are out,” Middendorp explained.

“We have seen with Leonardo (Castro) that some players need a little bit of time. I thought he was fantastic after moments of not being 100 percent following our cup game and falling a little bit apart.

“He is back and is quite into it. At the moment it is not about one individual player.

“The brand, the potential of Chiefs is bigger than one player; everyone has to contribute in the right way.”

He said Katsande, if fit and ready, would be considered for the home fixture against Maritzburg United on Saturday.

The 33-year-old, who has been linked with a move to rivals Orlando Pirates, has been left out of three consecutive games.

— Soccer Laduma