Former Kaizer Chiefs defensive midfielder Willard Katsande has opened up on how Sibongiseni Mthethwa’s situation under coach Nasreddine Nabi reminds him of his early days under Stuart Baxter.
The former Zimbabwean international was offering his insights on the current situation of Njabulo Blom and Sibongiseni Mthethwa. Katsande, a respected voice in the position, believes both players have valuable roles to play.
Mthethwa, signed during the mid-season transfer window, is yet to feature under new coach Nasreddine Nabi. Blom, who returned on loan from MLS side St Louis, has started one official match and made a substitute appearance.
Katsande draws a parallel between Mthethwa’s current situation under Nabi and his own experience with Stuart Baxter, where he found himself initially sidelined. He remembers how Baxter omitted him from the squad in his early days, much like Nabi is currently doing with Mthethwa.
Katsande also shared how he ultimately turned his situation around, becoming a mainstay in Baxter’s starting line-up.
“Any coach wants a player who is eager to learn,” Katsande told FARPost. “When Stuart Baxter took over for the first three games, I couldn’t make the team. I went to him and said, “Coach, what can I improve? How can I be the player you want?”
“Respectfully, I told him I wasn’t challenging his selection. He said, “Son, sit here,” and we started talking. I wasn’t making the team after that, but I kept applying what he was telling me. I continued asking him. When the opportunity arose, he told me it was the moment to show it. And I did. He put a lot of trust in me.”
KATSANDE ON BLOM’S IMPACT AND FITNESS
Katsande emphasises the importance of humility and continuous learning for Mthethwa.
“You’ve got to be a good student and humble yourself. Ask those who’ve walked the path and learn every day,” he added. “No matter how good you are, you need to learn constantly. People will provide you with good information. We’re here. We know the ins and outs of the position. We can also contribute and are always open.”
The two-time league title winner with Amakhosi acknowledges Blom’s positive impact on the team’s stability and fluidity. “He adds stability. There’s fluidity, and the team plays with more freedom when he’s on the pitch,” Katsande observes.
“When Njabulo is fit, you know how he will help the team. We don’t question his quality. I feel like whenever he plays, the team starts having a good balance. So we want him to be match fit so we can dominate matches for longer periods. He’s quality all round.”
Meanwhile, he urges the Chiefs community to give coach Nabi time to rebuild the team. “The coach is building a strong team which isn’t going to last us one season but a bit long term. He has short-term and long-term goals. We need to support the coach.”
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