KATSANDE’S CAFCL VOW
WILLARD KATSANDE says he is targeting winning the CAF Champions League to inspire a young generation back home.
Kaizer Chiefs face African giants Al Ahly in the final at Complexe Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, tomorrow.
Chiefs are going into the match as underdogs and Katsande has previously warned that they are not at this stage by fluke.
Katsande spoke to H-Metro Sport from Morocco saying no one gave him the chance.
“Playing CAF Champions League final is every professional player’s dream when it comes to African football. To be here is a good thing, many players finished their careers without playing at this level, so to it is such an honour to me.
“Where I come from nobody gave me a chance especially those who thought they know football and they did not think I will reach this far, but here I am at Kaizer Chiefs.
“So I want to win the trophy to inspire young players in my hometown of Mutare
and in my rural Mutoko. To show them nothing is impossible, so that when people tell them they will not make it, they will look at me as the reference,” said Katsande.
The Zimbabwean said he is also dedicating the match to Kaizer Chiefs fans and those who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
“Individually I am dedicating this final to all Kaizer Chiefs fans and to all football lovers who have been affected during this time of the pandemic.
“I just want to put a smile on their faces,” said Katsande.
The 35-year-old, who marked his tenth anniversary Amakhosi, said he is not feeling any pressure ahead of the big stage.
“It is the biggest level of African football but I am not feeling any pressure. I am ready because we all know it will go down to be eleven versus eleven.
“We are all human beings so for me as a senior guy at the team, it is my duty to encourage the youngsters to be calm. Not only me but with other senior guys as well, so generally there is no pressure within the whole team.”
He said the team is also banking on the experience of Zimbabwean teammate Khama Billiat who has won the tournament with Mamelodi Sundowns before.
“Obviously Khama played and won so we will bank on his experience as a team.
“I am happy to be part of such statistics where by it will be only him and to play the final with a foreign side.
“Overall, to be at this level with a club you really love to put your soul and blood is something important, an amazing thing I should say,” said Katsande.
He urged Zimbabweans to rally behind his side.
“My message to the millions in Zimbabwe is that we are your own, keep on supporting us and do not stop because we are going to make you proud.”