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Leonardo Castro Was Happy With His Kaizer Chiefs Hat-trick

Leonardo Castro Was Happy With His Kaizer Chiefs Hat-trick

Leonardo Castro

He smashed a hat-trick past them last time they met, and Kaizer Chiefs' Leonardo Castro doesn't mind that his hat-trick against Mamelodi Sundowns was only in a friendly game.

The 30-year-old forward is yet to score in a competitive game against his former employers since making the switch to Naturena, but he'll be hoping to change that on Sunday afternoon as the two clubs battle for top spot in the Absa Premiership. 

Chiefs currently sit at the summit of the league table after eight games played, and Ernst Middendorp will be delighted with their start to the campaign having lost just once in their nine games across all competitions. 

Castro got his only goal of the campaign last month against AmaZulu, having changed Middendorp's mind about letting him go before the end of the transfer window, and will be eager to prove to the German that he made the right decision.   

His coach has suggested that a front three of Castro, Khama Billiat and Samir Nurkovic is something that could be utilised by the Glamour Boys this season as they go in search of more goals, though it remains to be seen whether they will be deployed together on Sunday afternoon.

Speaking to Chiefs' official website ahead of this weekend's tie, the Colombian said, "It was a friendly game but as a striker it is good to score goals. This helps bring your confidence levels up. I feel at this moment the whole team is playing with a high level of confidence because we know where we want to reach. We are moving in the right way."

Castro has started just one game in the Absa Premiership this season, but his performances against Sundowns in the SHUC and in the win over Cape Town City may change that come this weekend.

Is this how Chiefs could set up against Sundowns on Sunday?

Sasman - Started Chiefs' last three games, obvious
Sasman - Started Chiefs' last three games, obvious choice at LB.
Cardoso - Ever-present for Chiefs, has played ever
Cardoso - Ever-present for Chiefs, has played every minute this season.
Castro - Scored a hattrick v Downs in last friendl
Castro - Scored a hattrick v Downs in last friendly, started last game
Mathoho - A top performer this season, has started
Mathoho - A top performer this season, has started every game.
Billiat - Chiefs' biggest attacking threat, seems
Billiat - Chiefs' biggest attacking threat, seems to be finding form.
Nurkovic - Has made a big impression, scored vital
Nurkovic - Has made a big impression, scored vital goal v City.
Frosler - Has only missed one game, and that was t
Frosler - Has only missed one game, and that was through injury.
Manyama - Ever-present in the league, is yet to mi
Manyama - Ever-present in the league, is yet to miss a single game.
Akpeyi - Penalty hero v City, looks to be first ch
Akpeyi - Penalty hero v City, looks to be first choice with Khune out.
Maluleka - Has played whenever fit, natural replac
Maluleka - Has played whenever fit, natural replacement for Baccus.
Katsande - Captained v City, could play holding ro
Katsande - Captained v City, could play holding role for Chiefs.
 

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