Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has given his verdict on midfield workhorse enforcer Edson Castillo after his first start of the new season.
Castillo, a highly anticipated signing from Venezuelan club Monagas SC at the beginning of the previous season, arrived at Chiefs with immense expectations.
He quickly made a substantial impact, contributing five goals and one assist in his early appearances. However, as the season progressed, his form gradually declined, and Amakhosi ultimately finished outside the top eight.
Plausibly, he is progressing well under new coach Nabi and has been handed one first-team start in the three games Chiefs have played so far.
The 30-year-old started on the bench against Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu FC in the Betway Premiership. Against AmaZulu, coach Nabi trusted Yusuf Maart and Njabulo Blom to take care of the business in the midfield.
But against Mamelodi Sundowns, he preferred Maart and Castillo in the middle of the park. Blom started on the bench, while Mduduzi Shabalala and Gaston Sirino were deployed on the wings.
WHAT COACH NABI SAID ABOUT CASTILLO
Castillo gave a good account of himself, albeit as Chiefs suffered their first defeat in the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season. He had a goal disallowed in the final minutes of the game.
However, Nabi feels Castillo has yet to reach his full potential. When asked about Venezuelan International, the Tunisian mentor said they are focused on boosting his confidence and morale.
“Castillo, last season he started good but he went down. These are the statistics. This situation is about his confidence and morale,” Nabi said.
“Honestly, in this moment and after the pre-season. He has not gone back to the real Castillo, he is gentleman. I want to help him get his confidence back.
“Step by step, I think today [against Mamelodi Sundowns] he was better than the last game. I respect him so much. He is professional. I give chances, but I do not give much chances.”
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