Kaizer Chiefs on Tuesday confirmed that Zimbabwean midfielder Willard Katsande was not having his contract renewed and will be leaving the club.
Willard Katsande, who has donned the Amakhosi colours for ten years, will leave Naturena along with Kgotso Moleko, Philani Zulu and goalkeeper Brylon Petersen.
It is understood that the arrival of Cole Alexander‚ as a new signing on Tuesday‚ in defensive midfield put an end to 35-year-old Katsande’s contract renewal discussions.
Meanwhile, Yagan Sasman, Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya and Lazarous Kambole have been put on the transfer list. This means the rest of the DStv Premiership club’s can enquire about their services.
The former Zimbabwean international joined the Soweto giants in 2011 from Ajax Cape Town and it took him a while to establish himself in the line-up and endear himself to the supporters.
It was when Stuart Baxter arrived at Chiefs in 2013 that Katsande stood out as one of the club’s most important players.
Katsande holds the record of being the most capped foreign player at Amakhosi, having made 326 appearances during his time at Naturena.
Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, Khama Billiat, Bernard Parker and Lebogang Manyama and Ramahlwe Mphahlele have all signed contract extensions to remain at the club.
Willard Katsande Leaves With A Heavy Heart As He Writes An Emotional Letter To Fans
In a letter posted on his social media pages, Katsande said the Amakhosi family will forever be in his heart.
“It is with a heavy heart that I must leave my beloved Kaizer Chiefs family. I am honoured eternally grateful to the Chairman of the Club, Mr Kaizer Motaung for granting me the opportunity to represent this great institution over the past 10 years.
“To the peace-loving fans of Kaizer Chiefs, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your support and encouragement over the years. You have constantly been the 12th man lifting our spirits, during the good times and difficult phases.
“I trust that I represented the Badge and Brand with the respect and dignity it deserves. ‘Respect the Badge in front and the faithful will forever remember the name at the back’.
“I am blessed beyond imagination, having represented my childhood dream Club for over 320 games, lifted four trophies, participated in the Champions League. Kaizer Chiefs is my family and will always be in my heart.”
Katsande won four trophies during his stay: two PSL titles (2012/13, 2014/15), Nedbank Cup (2013) and MTN8 (2014).