Willard Katsande reflects on his Kaizer Chiefs journey

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Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande has opened up about the immense pressure and high expectations that come with playing for the South African football giants.

Reflecting on his early days at the club, Katsande admitted that breaking into the first team was not easy. Speaking in an interview with Yvonne Mangunda at The Ollah 7 Podcast, he said, “I was in a space where I could not make it to the team, but I was not vulnerable.”

Realising the weight of playing for a club of Amakhosi’s stature, he sought guidance from the likes of Method Mwanjali, Tinashe Nengomasha, and Esrom Nyandoro as well as experienced South African players, including those who had played at the FIFA World Cup.

Willard Katsande Believes Foreign Players Must Work Harder

Coming from the rural village of Mutoko in Zimbabwe, Katsande knew he had to prove himself. “As a foreigner, you need to offer more than what a local player is offering. You need to show a difference,” he stated. He observed that many Zimbabwean players struggle when they move to South Africa because they arrive with inflated egos based on their profiles back home. He tells them: “Relax. You are in a foreign land. You need to get back to basics and work your way up again.’”

Leadership and Discipline

While at Chiefs, Katsande not only became the club’s captain but also a mentor for foreign players, calling himself ‘The President of Foreigners.’ He provided guidance to newcomers, helping them navigate the challenges of playing for such a prestigious club. He stressed the importance of discipline, acknowledging that without it, he would not have survived at Kaizer Chiefs.

He revealed the temptations that come with playing for a club of such magnitude. “If you are playing for Kaizer Chiefs, there is a lot that comes with it. You can get free alcohol, free girls, free parking, and even free tickets to any event. That is Kaizer Chiefs for you. People do not understand, but I was there.”

Willard Katsande Staying Focused Amidst the Glamour

Despite the glamorous lifestyle that Johannesburg offers, Katsande remained grounded. He said that he was a village boy but never allowed himself to get carried away.

“We are foreigners, and we are there to do the work,” he said. His commitment to professionalism earned him long-term respect at the club. Even after leaving Kaizer Chiefs, he continues to be recognised and appreciated by the institution. “Even now, they gave me a Fortuner to drive. When you are a foreigner and get such recognition from a big institution like Kaizer Chiefs, it’s a plus—it means you have done a lot.”

Overcoming Initial Struggles

Katsande also recounted the challenges he faced in his early days at Chiefs. From making his debut in a Soweto Derby by replacing Simphiwe Tshabalala to being played out of position, he had to prove himself constantly.