Kaizer Chiefs’ Willard Katsande was the surprise inclusion in Warriors squad to face Liberia in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on November 18.
The former Ajax Cape Town star, last turned out for the national team almost two years ago during an Afcon tournament in Gabon where he was captain before announcing his retirement amid disciplinary issues with the Zimbabwe FA.
Personalities like Kaizer Chiefs boss Kaizer Motaung, his then Amakhosi coach Steve Khompela, former Bafana Bafana great Doctor Khumalo and ex-Warriors and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Esrom Nyandoro, gave Katsande advice that made him have change of heart.
The midfielder continued to be ignored after rescinding his decision but he has finally been brought back into the team by coach Sunday Chidzambwa.
Katsande is one of the most experienced players in the country, having played for the Warriors more than 25 times, scoring three goals in the process. The midfielder has also turned up for Highway and Gunners locally.
So what does his inclusion mean for the team? Here is what some former players’ think.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“Katsande is currently on top form at Chiefs, and definitely that was considered before his inclusion. The experience he brings in the team is what is important, and he definitely has a point to prove because he is aware time is not on his side.”[/perfectpullquote]
– Desmond Maringwa, Footballers Union of Zimbabwe president.
“Well, Katsande has played against the best in Africa, and he is still doing so. With the experience he, Katsande, has I am sure Zimbabwe will benefit.”- Doctor Khumalo, former Bafana Bafana midfielder.
“We have a habit of sending players to retire early which is not good. Katsande is playing well for his side, he still has value and Zimbabwe can benefit from his inclusion. He will also serve as a mentor for the upcoming players in the team, so I support his inclusion.” – Calisto Pasuwa, former Zimbabwe national team coach.
Katsande acknowledges that emotions had been high in Gabon and he is not allowing what happened in the past affect his performance.
“I am happy to be back with the Warriors. I have a lot of people who talked me into considering coming back because they felt I still have a lot to offer. They feel that my experience is still needed at the national team level. Also it’s cold out there, so you would always want to be part of the national team,” Katsande was quoted as saying by Soccer24.
Zimbabwe are currently leading Group G of the qualifiers and a win at Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium will see them book a place at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in 2019.
Zimbabwe squad:
Goalkeepers: George Chigova (Polokwane City, South Africa), Edmore Sibanda (Witbank Spurs, South Africa), Simbarashe Chinani (Dynamos)
Defenders: Alec Mudimu (CEFN Druids, Wales), Ronald Pfumbidzai (Bloemfontein Celtic, South Africa), Teenage Hadebe (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Kevin Moyo (FC Platinum), Byron Madzokere (Yadah Stars), Marshall Munetsi (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)
Midfielders: Willard Katsande (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Tafadzwa Kutinyu (Azam, Tanzania), Ovidy Karuru (AmaZulu, South Africa), Talent Chwapihwa (Baroka, South Africa), Marvelous Nakamba (Club Brugge, Belgium), Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Knowledge Musona (Anderlecht, Belgium), Rodwell Chinyengetere (FC Platinum)
Strikers: Evans Rusike (SuperSport United, South Africa), Knox Mutizwa (Golden Arrows, South Africa), Tinotenda Kadewere (Le Havre, France), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Bidvest Wits, South Africa).
