Uthini?
Kaizer Chiefs' head coach Ernst Middendorp's decision to leave out Willard Katsande came as a shock to some. It seems that Middendorp left out the midfielder for tactical reasons.
While the player was brought into the Soweto Derby for Leonardo Castro, fans believe that benching him was a good idea and maybe Amakhosi would have won the game if he never played.
Soccer Laduma reader Mkho Ndlovu says he was not shocked to see the player being benched from the start and added that Orlando Pirates was only able to score after he was brought in for Castro:
"It was not a shock for me. I was happy not to see him. Pirates scored after he was brought in."
- Blogger: Mkho Ndlovu
Katsande is best known for his defensive role in the midfield position. However, TheKing Gaarekwe thinks that is not what Chiefs needed for the Soweto Derby. The Soccer Laduma reader says despite his resilient attitude, Katsande was the weakest link from the bench:
"When Katsande came in, he simply justified his exclusion. I am one of those fans who really appreciate the soldiering character he often displays in the middle of the pitch. But we have to admit that when it's not your day it's not your day. Katsande and [Philani] Zulu were the weakest links from the bench yesterday, but you don't become a bad player in a day. I still believe in their capabilities."
- Blogger: TheKing Gaarekwe
Like TheKing, Saltana James thinks a player like Katsande is still a valuable asset for Amakhosi. The Soccer Laduma reader emphasised how important his attitude is while questioning the spirit of his fellow teammates:
"Katsande might not be the most flamboyant and the most talented player at Chiefs, but he is the rock and the heartbeat of that team. He gives you a 110% every time he plays and that's what every coach is looking for in his players, pity we can't say the same thing about Billiat or even Castro?"
- Blogger: Saltana James
Was Middendorp right to leave Katsande out of the starting line-up in such an important match? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
