Why Gavin Hunt may hang onto Willard Katsande
Willard Katsande this year celebrates 10 years at Kaizer Chiefs after signing for Amakhosi back in 2011. Despite a somewhat patchy season so far the veteran midfielder remains a vital part of the Kaizer Chiefs midfield puzzle with a recent performance against Petro de Luanda of Angola in the Caf champions league illustrating just why it will be difficult for Gavin Hunt to let go of the Zimbabwean when his contract expires in 3 months time.
Of great interest for the Kaizer Chiefs technical department is the fundamental role played by Williard Katsande in Amakhosi’s attacking build up where the 35 year old Zimbabwean is comfortable in picking out passes which ensure quick ball progression from the middle third into the attacking third as is illustrated in the diagram below.
(Fig 1.0 Katsande is able to pick out Kaizer Chiefs target man allowing Amakhosi to progress into the attacking third)
Despite often availed with other sideways or backwards options Katsande has the presence of mind to ensure the quick progression of attacks in order to make it more difficult for the opponent to get numbers behind the ball.
To further cement Katsande’s vital role in making use of forward passes which ensure ball progression, below is a 1st half pass map of Katsande in a recent win over Petro de Luanda.
(1.1 Pass map illustrating Katsande’s attack mindedness)
To add to the attacking prowess that he brings to the table thanks to his fine range of passes, Katsande’s ability to immediately apply pressure once his team has lost the ball is another key asset which Gavin hunt will be grateful for. Often breaking down play by denying penetrating passes Katsande remains a critical shield for the Amakhosi defence particularly on the African Safari where he boasts of plenty of experience having also represented Zimbabwe at the Africa Cup of nations.
Aided by a wealth of experience, positional discipline is perhaps one of his least appreciated attributes. Sitting just in front of the back four Katsande who is fully aware of his aging legs rarely ventures forward, with his range of passing atoning for limitations in being a box to box midfielder.
(Fig 1.3 Katsande’s defensive discipline sees him sit just in front of the backline when in defensive situations)
Having established himself as a grafter over the last decade Katsande is proving he still has it in his tank despite turning 35 in January. Katsande assists the backline and helps create an overload allowing Kaizer Chiefs to recover possession. Below is a situation in which Katsande helps apply pressure on the ball placing the opposing attacker under immense pressure.
Interceptions, tackles and winning aerial duels remain facets which make Katsande a crucial defensive midfielder to have but a decline in pace appears the only problem area especially in transition phases where an opponent boasts of pacey attackers. Below is a situation in which Katsande struggles to recover presenting a 4 versus 3 attacking overload which Chiefs has to deal with.
Save for a decline in pace due to his aging legs, Katsande remains a critical player which could earn a contract extension in June depending on whether Gavin Hunt believes he still requires the services of a player who has excelled at Kaizer Chiefs since joining from Ajax Cape Town in 2011.
