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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter

KAIZER Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has described Zimbabwean midfielder Willard Katsande as a warrior who gave everything for the success of the club.

Katsande was released by the club, this week, after 10 years of service. 

His departure coincided with the return of Baxter, who worked with the midfielder at the club, between 2012 and 2015.   

This was one of the most successful periods for Chiefs, in the last decade. 

They won a League and Cup double, in the 2012-2013 season, and another one in 2014-2015, with Baxter as coach.

The Englishman reserved special praise for Katsande, who was an integral member of the team, during the period.

“Willard played for me, obviously, in my first time with Chiefs and he was a warrior,’’ said the Englishman. 

‘’Willard was a warrior wearing gold, black and he was the Chiefs. He became Chiefs through and through.” 

Katsande said he had no hard feelings, after he was released, along with six other players this week. 

The departure of the 35-year-old, who would have loved to play on, at least for another season, divided opinion among the Chiefs.

Some felt the club should have told him in advance, and organised a proper send-off, rather than wait for his contract to expire.

Baxter, who addressed a virtual press conference, along with club captain Itumelang Khune, ahead of this Sunday’s Carling Black Label clash with Orlando Pirates, said Katsande fits in the bill of club legend.

“Every player goes through phases in his career. Itu (Khune), who is sitting next to me, he’s been through phases, and (as a player) you adapt to a phase.

“Alan Shearer was a player that was quick, and he was dangerous, up until he had a very bad injury. 

‘’And, after that, he became very clever in the box, very strong, holding off defenders. He adjusted.

“Willard went through those phases, and Willard adjusted. And, at some point, you know, players say, ‘well, my role is such that I don’t really want to do that, I want to move on’.

“Now, Willard’s role, I’m sure that he will have a role with Kaizer Chiefs, in the future, because he’s been an icon of the club.’’

Baxter said Khune could also follow suit on day.

“The same as the day that Itu wants to hang up his gloves, I’m sure that there’ll be a job for him at Kaizer Chiefs, because he’s an icon of the club,’’ said the coach.

“So, Willard has been a warrior for me. Personally, he has been a great player for me. 

“And, I think he’s one of those players that can be an example to other South African players because he has made himself into an excellent player from someone who’s not the most talented player in the world. 

“He wasn’t the most gifted player in the world. Things didn’t come easy to Willard Katsande.

“He made sure he learned the game. He made sure that he did what he was good at. And he made a very good career out of it. And he will always be an icon of this football club.”

Katsande played a record 326 games for Chiefs.

He won two league titles, the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup.

Katsande was known for his no-nonsense approach, in the heart of midfield, the never-say-die spirit, and the workaholic attitude, which won him many admirers, in the Chiefs family.

He won the Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, Fans Player of the Season, at the 2016 club awards. 

In his own words, said he “came as a nobody but I am leaving as a legend.”

Khune, who is currently the longest serving player at Chiefs, also hailed Katsande, for his contributions to the club.

“I fully agree with the coach that Willard was a warrior. He was a soldier that we could always count on,’’ said Khune. 

“When the chips were down, we knew that we could count on Willard.

“He was a great soldier and he was a hard-working player on the field, and a very humble person off the field. 

“I remember the first time he came here, he had stiff competition against his countryman, Tinashe Nengomasha.

“You know what Nengomasha did for the club but I think Willard surpassed that by his work rate.’’

He said his number of appearances speak for themselves.

If I can count the number of matches he has played I might be wrong,’’ said Khune.

“But, he knew who he was replacing and he wanted to write his name on the history books of this great institution. 

“I salute Willard for what he contributed to the club.

“For him to be given the nickname, such as ‘Salt ’n Vinegar’, you know you got to count on salt when you eat. 

“That was him, he got so many nicknames, along the way, but he didn’t take any prisoners on the field of play.

“But, off the field, he was a smiling person, he was such a great guy and we are surely going to miss him. 

“I have been with him for the past 10 years and it’s sad to see him leave.’’