Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder and club legend, Willard Katsande, has expressed his concerns about the current state of the team, questioning whether the players have the right mentality to succeed. Katsande, who was known for his strong leadership and winning mindset during his time at the club, believes that the current squad is struggling to adapt to changing match situations and lacks the necessary mental toughness to secure consistent victories. His comments come after Chiefs’ disappointing run of form in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), where they have only managed one win in their last five matches.
This lack of form has been particularly evident in some recent fixtures, with Chiefs suffering a 2-0 loss to Polokwane City in their most recent match. Prior to that, they threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Magesi FC, further highlighting their inability to manage match situations effectively. The team’s struggles are compounded by the fact that they are still searching for their first clean sheet of the season, a worrying statistic for a club with such a rich history of defensive solidity.
Katsande, who was a key figure in Chiefs’ midfield for many years, suggested that the current players are unable to maintain a winning mentality and fail to step up in crucial moments. He pointed out that the team’s inconsistent performances have left them in a difficult position, questioning whether the players have the mental resilience to overcome challenges and improve their form. His comments reflect a growing frustration among some fans and former players, who feel that Chiefs should be performing at a higher level given the club’s stature in South African football.
Despite the team’s struggles, there is still some support for head coach Nabi, with fans hoping that he can guide the team back to winning ways. Some believe that the coach’s tactics and leadership can bring about a turnaround, but the question remains whether the players have the mental strength to respond to his guidance. The Chiefs squad, full of talent, has often been criticized for failing to live up to expectations, and Katsande’s remarks emphasize the need for a shift in mentality if the team is to get back to the level of success it once enjoyed.
In addition to their poor form, Chiefs’ inability to keep a clean sheet has been a major talking point. Defensively, the team has looked vulnerable, and this has put additional pressure on the attacking players to deliver goals. The inability to find balance between defense and attack has led to inconsistent results and further deepened the sense of frustration among fans and pundits alike.
While some supporters have backed Nabi and remain hopeful that the team can recover its winning form, others have pointed to certain players as the source of the club’s current struggles. Many feel that the responsibility lies with the players to rise to the occasion and show the leadership, determination, and resilience required to turn things around. The lack of a collective winning mentality is seen as a key obstacle to the team’s success, and some believe that without a change in attitude, Chiefs may continue to falter.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether the current crop of players can respond to the pressure and improve their performances. For now, the spotlight is on the Chiefs squad to prove they can rise above their recent setbacks and regain their former glory. The club’s rich history demands nothing less.
