Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has provided insight into the absence of veteran midfielder Willard Katsande and it’s not due to an injury.
Katsande has been side-lined for Chiefs’ last three consecutive matches and was reduced to a bit-part player in the most recent Soweto Derby last month.
Having been an integral part of the club for seven years since his arrival from Ajax Cape Town back in 2012, the 33-year-old’s omission has left many puzzled with his sudden failure to make even the substitutes bench.
After previously explaining that no individual is guaranteed game-time and that selection was works-based, Middendorp is taking no prisoners and has reiterated his stance after being quizzed over the Zimbabwean international’s recent exclusion.
“The routine on our side is that we go through the normal process of selecting players, starting the week with those who should be in the 20 and then 18-man squad,” explained Middendorp.
“And we have a certain idea, and in the moment some players are in. It’s not only about one player, but some players are in while some need a bit of time to get back into it.
“We saw it with Leonardo [Castro] – I thought he was fantastic [against Highlands Park on Saturday], after some moments of not being 100 percent clearly structured in our cup game [against The Magic FC] and falling a little bit apart, but now he’s back into it.
“At the moment it’s not really [about individuals] – certain players are in and certain players are out. The brand and reputation of Kaizer Chiefs are bigger than one player, and everyone has to learn that.
“Everyone has to contribute in the right way that we expect and that’s it – simple and plain. Probably he [Katsande] is on the field next week, why not?”- KickOff
