Ntseki Reveals Process Of Chiefs Castillo Decision

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Molefi Ntseki has revealed the details behind Edson Castillo’s transfer from Venezuela.

Castillo had long been linked with a move to Amakhosi, with the club initially turning down the chance to sign him last season before he signed a short-term deal with Monagas, where he featured in the Copa Libertadores with the 2017 league champions.

However, Chiefs came calling months later as his form continued over the past six months and it became apparent there would be a need for a midfielder of his ilk to bolster their starting line-up in the 2023/24 season.

And the 29-year-old has already produced some impressive displays in the Amakhosi kit, becoming an instant fan favourite.

After Castillo scored the injury-time winner against Cape Town City in the MTN8 quarter-final, Ntseki discussed the process of scouting the South American midfielder.

“We had scouts going to Venezuela watching him and we saw a player that we needed at the club,” he said.

“Because we needed somebody with authority, somebody with confidence on the ball and somebody with a little bit of intelligence in dealing with situations.

“I think he’s bringing that to the team.”

Ntseki also insisted that more is still to come from Castillo, as he is still adjusting to a new culture, country and style of play.

“By the way, it is only his third game in South Africa. There is still more to come out of him because he appears to be a very intelligent midfielder.

“In terms of the pace, I think like I said he still has to adjust to the weather conditions in South Africa and also the understanding of the type of opponents we play against the type of players that we always play around him.

“In terms of tactical cohesion and understanding we still have a long way to go to be a solid team, tactically.”