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Willard Katsande (pic from youthvillage.com)

Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor—
WA RRIORS skipper Willard Katsande has backed the new Kaizer Chiefs pair of Michelle Katsvairo and Edmore Chirambadare to succeed at Amakhosi but warned them to brace for the intense pressure that comes with playing for the Soweto giants. Katsvairo and Chirambadare were unveiled together with a number of new arrivals at the Glamour Boys who will be under pressure from their demanding fans to do better in the coming term after completing a trophyless 2015-16 season.

The duo arrived at Naturena following a successful stint at Chicken Inn during which they helped the Gamecocks to secure their maiden Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title.

After surrendering the league championship crown to Mamelodi Sundowns, Chiefs are now hoping to revive their fortunes in the coming season and as they have often done, Amakhosi turned to the north of Limpopo for talent to beef their squad snapping up Katsvairo and Chirambadare.

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And Katsande, Chiefs’ midfield hard man and best player from last season reckoned yesterday that his countrymen would succeed in the new pastures of Johannesburg. “I think they will add value. Zimbabweans are known to be hard working too, so I will rub that into them. I will guide them as the older brother so that they can settle down quickly.

“I must warn them too that Chiefs have no patience because of demands in the field. The fans are always expecting us to do well and now that we didn’t win anything last season, the pressure is even more,

“With the arrival of more players, the expectations are really high I must say,’’ Katsande said. In a move that is set make life a lot easier for Katsande, the Warriors skipper is now set to be registered with the South African Premiership as a non-foreigner as he recently qualified for the permanent residence permit.

That development will also help Chiefs to free up one of the five slots each club is allowed in terms of the foreign quota. Katsande was also excited about the prospects of being granted the residence permit at the end of this month. “I did submit my papers and I am so happy to be getting it at the end of July.

“I am happy because when you play as a foreign player your future would be more uncertain. Every season teams bring on board foreign players. “It seems that whenever there is anything missing and clubs need foreign talent, they look for a foreign spot to fill and if you under-perform as a foreigner, you are at greater risk because the foreign quota restricts teams to just five,’’ Katsande said.

But getting the huge vote of confidence from their national team skipper and club vice-captain is just the kind of start that Katsvairo and Chirambadare needed as they venture into a new and more professional set up. The trio of Katsande, Katsvairo and Chirambadare could yet be joined at Chiefs by another Zimbabwean Evans Rusike.

It has emerged that Rusike, who had fine season with Maritzburg United, is very much on the radar of Chiefs and other Premiership giants. According to reports from South Africa, Chiefs have already made their intentions clear by making an offer for Rusike, which was rejected by Maritzburg United. Rusike scored nine goals and made five assists as he helped his side avoid relegation.

The 25-year-old former Hwange man scored a brace as the Team of Choice beat Jomo Cosmos 3-1 on the final day of the season to seal their safety.

But with Maritzburg United determined to keep their man and even strengthen for the forthcoming season, it is not yet clear whether Rusike could be released to move to a bigger club. Should he stay at the Team of Choice, Rusike is likely to be joined by Dynamos goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva and Harare City defender Blessing Moyo, who have held trial stints at the club.

Warriors first choice goalkeeper Mukuruva, however, had to return home last Friday and just in time for the Harare giants’ league clash against Bulawayo City at Barbourfields.

Chiefs have also been linked with a possible bid for Warriors winger Kuda Mahachi but that move could be stalled by the fact that Mamelodi Sundowns are understood to be still having a say in the talented former Chicken Inn talisman’s next move.

Mahachi had been released to Golden Arrows by Sundowns. With the South African transfer market open, there has also been intensified speculation over the movement of players including some Zimbabweans based in that country and those plying their trade on the domestic front.

There are indications that such players like Cuthbert Malajila, who did not to see enough league action at Sundowns last season could be on the move from the Brazilians as could Milton Ncube, whose future at Ajax Cape Town hangs in the balance. However, big centre back Carlington Nyadombo could stay put at Polokwane City, who are reportedly keen on handing him a contract extension.

Newly promoted ABSA Premiership side, who are now home to former Warriors goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini, have also reportedly been keeping an eye on some more Zimbabwean players.