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JOHANNESBURG — Tinashe Nengomasha believes fellow Zimbabwean Willard Katsande no longer had a place in the Kaizer Chiefs squad following the arrival of new players.
The Amakhosi recently released Katsande, who had been at the South African giants, for a decade.
Having signed Keagan Dolly, Phathutshedzo Nange and Cole Alexander, the future of Katsande at Chiefs became complicated.
While many questioned Chiefs’ decision, to let go of Katsande when they retained other veterans, Nengomasha sees nothing sinister about the departure of his compatriot. Some felt Katsande was just unfortunate to be released, especially given that fellow senior players like Itumeleng Khune, Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Bernard Parker, are among those given fresh deals to continue at Naturena.
Khune (34) penned a two-year extension.
Parker, who is Katsande’s age mate, was given an additional one year to remain at the club.
The 31-year-old Mphahlele also earned himself a one-year extension with an option for another year.
Katsande has since joined Sekhukhune United on a two-year deal.
Nengomasha said the club took a good decision to release Katsande.
Cole Alexander and Phathutshedzo Nange are the players Amakhosi have signed to play the role that Katsande made his own for 10 years.
Given Thibedi, a 23-year-old promising talent who spent last season on loan at Swallows, can also do the job.
“People are making a mistake, if they talk about football that way, that when one player gets a contract one must also get it,” Nengomasha told Sowetan Live.
“Let’s not take football with emotions.
“Let’s be honest . . . how many midfielders Chiefs signed? Football is business, you can’t have many players in one position, so I believe it was about time Willard left because the club acquired more midfielders.”
The return of coach Stuart Baxter had provided some hope for Katsande to be retained, after former coach Gavin Hunt, had shown little faith in the player.
Interestingly, Katsande became the longest-serving foreign player at Chiefs, a record previously held by Nengomasha.
“Remember, even Cardoso played at central midfield under Gavin Hunt and I think he did well there, so in Willard’s case you also have to look at all those dimensions,” said Nengomasha.
“In football, players come and go and that’s the nature of the game.
“There’s always a time to restructure and that’s what Chiefs are doing, hence they let some players go, including Willard, who has done well for the club in the past years.”— Sowetan Live.
Online Reporter