Willard Katsande reflects on his Kaizer Chiefs journey

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande has opened up in regards to the immense strain and excessive expectations that include enjoying for the South African soccer giants.

Reflecting on his early days on the membership, Katsande admitted that breaking into the primary group was not straightforward. Talking in an interview with Yvonne Mangunda at The Ollah 7 Podcast, he mentioned, “I used to be in an area the place I couldn’t make it to the group, however I used to be not weak.”

Realising the burden of enjoying for a membership of Amakhosi’s stature, he sought steering from the likes of Technique Mwanjali, Tinashe Nengomasha, and Esrom Nyandoro in addition to skilled South African gamers, together with those that had performed on the FIFA World Cup.

Willard Katsande Believes Overseas Gamers Should Work Tougher

Coming from the agricultural village of Mutoko in Zimbabwe, Katsande knew he needed to show himself. “As a foreigner, you have to supply greater than what an area participant is providing. It’s essential present a distinction,” he acknowledged. He noticed that many Zimbabwean gamers battle once they transfer to South Africa as a result of they arrive with inflated egos primarily based on their profiles again residence. He tells them: “Loosen up. You might be in a international land. It’s essential get again to fundamentals and work your manner up once more.’”

Management and Self-discipline

Whereas at Chiefs, Katsande not solely turned the membership’s captain but additionally a mentor for international gamers, calling himself ‘The President of Foreigners.’ He offered steering to newcomers, serving to them navigate the challenges of enjoying for such a prestigious membership. He careworn the significance of self-discipline, acknowledging that with out it, he wouldn’t have survived at Kaizer Chiefs.

He revealed the temptations that include enjoying for a membership of such magnitude. “If you’re enjoying for Kaizer Chiefs, there’s a lot that comes with it. You will get free alcohol, free women, free parking, and even free tickets to any occasion. That’s Kaizer Chiefs for you. Folks don’t perceive, however I used to be there.”

Willard Katsande Staying Centered Amidst the Glamour

Regardless of the glamorous way of life that Johannesburg gives, Katsande remained grounded. He mentioned that he was a village boy however by no means allowed himself to get carried away.

“We’re foreigners, and we’re there to do the work,” he mentioned. His dedication to professionalism earned him long-term respect on the membership. Even after leaving Kaizer Chiefs, he continues to be recognised and appreciated by the establishment. “Even now, they gave me a Fortuner to drive. When you’re a foreigner and get such recognition from an enormous establishment like Kaizer Chiefs, it’s a plus—it means you could have accomplished quite a bit.”

Overcoming Preliminary Struggles

Katsande additionally recounted the challenges he confronted in his early days at Chiefs. From making his debut in a Soweto Derby by changing Simphiwe Tshabalala to being performed out of place, he needed to show himself continually.