Chiefs need another Willard
Midfielder’s absence could trigger meltdown
With the transfer window closing today, Kaizer Chiefs appear content to go on with their season despite being understaffed in the defensive midfield position.
Amakhosi only have 18year-old Wiseman Meyiwa providing backup cover for Willard Katsande.
The departure of Lucky Baloyi means coach Steve Komphela will be crossing fingers the whole season that Katsande does not get suspended or injured. For a hard tackling footballer like Katsande, suspension is almost inevitable and with him overworked alongside under-performing teammates, he also faces the possibility of burning out.
It would be a big ask for Chiefs to expect Meyiwa to swim if thrown in the deep end. Youngsters promoted from the junior ranks usually struggle to survive.
Former Chiefs midfield enforcer Tinashe Nengomasha foresees danger if Katsande is sidelined for a significant period at some point in the season.
“They [Chiefs] will just be hoping that he continues injury-free and does not wear out because if he does, then the pressure will be on,” Nengomasha told Sowetan.
‘ ‘ Meyiwa is the future but he needs some time
“I think the youngster [Meyiwa] is a future prospect and can do well but he needs some time to be groomed.”
The Glamour Boys are winless in three games after their disappointing start which saw them suffer an early elimination from the MTN8 and starting the Absa Premiership with a draw and loss.
At the height of his career with Chiefs, Nengomasha had tough competition in the holding midfield role with Thabo Mooki, Jabulani Mendu, Gerald Sibeko and Jonathan Quartey able to fill in.
Despite his concerns about him being overburdened, Nengomasha feels Katsande’s mindset is that of a warrior who will continue doing his job without complaints.