Sekhukhune’s U-turn on ex-Chiefs midfielder

Sekhukhune United have made a U-turn on ex-Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande regarding his retirement.

Reports during the off-season were that the former Amakhosi midfielder enforcer was headed for retirement at the age of 36. However, the club then decided they could still use ‘Salt n Pepper’ to shield their defence next season.

In another turn of events, Katsande will not feature Babina Noko in the coming season. The Limpopo outfit will, however, keep him for an off-field role as a club ambassador.

Katsande joined Sekhukhune last campaign after ending his decade-long stint with Kaizer Chiefs. The veteran midfielder managed to play 18 games across all competitions for the Limpopo-based side, found the back of the net on one occasion and contributed one assist in the process.

But it was expected for the 36-year-old to stay and fight for a regular role under new coach Kaitano Tembo, who will be working alongside MacDonald Makhubedu.

The Mutoko-born footballer received his first call-up to represent Zimbabwe back in 2010, after his successful run with the Gunners,  and went on to play for the country’s 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. He retired from international football in 2017 after the AFCON exit.

He also had stints with Highway United, Faruka, Frontier Steel and Ajax Cape Town, now known as Cape Town Spurs.

Speaking to FARPost after the club’s media open day on Monday, Tembo confirmed that the player is not part of his troops as they are heading into the upcoming season.

“No, Katsande is not part of the playing squad,” said the new man in charge.  

“But I think regarding his role at the club, the team management will make an official announcement on that.”  

Meanwhile, upon Tembo’s appointment, he vowed to fight for silverware and put smiles on the faces of the club’s supporters.

“It is the same vision and drive that motivated me to be part of the Babina Noko family. It is my desire that Sekhukhune United must be up there fighting for silverware to make their supporters happy,” said the 52-year-old mentor.

“I am looking forward to having a long-lasting working relationship with management, players and members of the technical team. I cannot wait to start preparations for the next season.”

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