Katsande content with ommission

By Mukudzei Chingwere

Former Warriors captain Willard Katsande says coach, Sunday Chidzambwa, was right to overlook him for the crunch AFCON qualifier against Congo-Brazzaville on March 24 at the National Sports Stadium.

The 33-year-old Kaizer Chiefs midfielder said given the magnitude of the fixture, the veteran gaffer was justified to have overlooked certain players even if they were doing well at their clubs.

“This is a must-win game and we need to win the game at all cost to go to the AFCON finals, this is not the type of game we need to be making experiments,’’ he said.

“Of course, I would have loved to be part of the team but, honestly, I am on a rough patch at the moment and it is justified for the coach not to take any risks.

“Even if you look at Portugal, there was a time Cristiano Ronaldo was not part of the team when he was still settling at Juventus.

“No-one is bigger than the team and we all want the team to qualify, I am no longer a small boy we need to put the interest of the team first, if the team qualifiers that will be brilliant and I will be happy if I get a chance to play at the finals again.

“It is just one game to go and we cannot be making experiments, so those who have been called into camp can do the job very well.’’

The Europe-based duo of Kelvin Lunga and Admiral Muskwe have been drafted into the squad.

“We have a good side which I think has the capacity to get the desired result and take the team to the Nations Cup finals,’’ said Katsande.

“It is a balanced team, we have power and speed and that will help us to contain as well as to break the opponent when going forward.

“I am working very hard, as always, to be in the best shape and to retain top form, I think I am ready to do well for both my club and country.’’ The Chronicle