Red Card!
Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed the departure of Godfrey Walusimbi. The 29-year-old left-back made 14 appearances for Chiefs but rarely featured under new coach Ernst Middendorp. Given the fan reaction to his departure, it seems the player was not a fan favourite at Amakhosi. But is he really deserving of the harsh criticism he has been getting?
Shares_sheleni says that he had high expectations for the defender but was left disappointed as his performances were never outstanding:
"He's not what I thought he was. He was given chances but he never showed anything better than what we have. All the best on his future endeavours."
- Blogger: Shares_sheleni
Other fans seem very unsure of the contribution Walusimbi made at Chiefs. For example, Soccer Laduma reader Malose seems uncertain of where his strengths are as a player:
"Was he a great defender though, or was he delivering great crosses? I don't know. [Siphosakhe] Ntiya-Ntiya is by far a better defender and from what [Happy] Mashiane has done so far, it showed that we are covered in that department."
- Blogger: Malose
Fans such as Dodido feel that Walusimbi did not fit a club with the stature of Chiefs. The Soccer Laduma reader hinted that things were never meant to be for the player at Amakhosi:
"Sorry Walusimbi, we are a big team. Try next door."
- Blogger: Dodido
Is it right to say Walusimbi was not better than the other left-backs Chiefs have? Firstly, it wouldn't be fair to compare him to Happy Mashiane because the latter has only made one appearance for the club. According to STATS.com:
- In all his appearances, Walusimbi made 54.4 passes per 90 minutes with a pass accuracy of 83.3%; one of the highest pass accuracies at Chiefs.
- However, the left-back never made an assist for Amakhosi and had only one shot at goal in all his appearances, meaning that he is not as lethal going forward.
- In all his appearances, Walusimbi made an average of 9.2 passes in the final third per 90 minutes.
- The defender won nine tackles, made five interceptions, 21 blocks and 69 clearances in all appearances for Chiefs.
It is clear that the player may not have been in his form at Chiefs. But was he given enough time to perform at the club, considering that he rarely made appearances for Middendorp?
What do you say? Was Walusimbi truly never a good fit for Chiefs? Do you think Amakhosi are covered in the left-back position with Ntiya-Ntiya and Mashiane? Let us know what you think and leave your comments below.
