After 10 years of service, Willard Katsande said goodbye to Kaizer Chiefs and his journey was filled with ups and downs.
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.
His game grew under Baxter’s reign, as Amakhosi won two Premiership titles, as well as the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup during the three seasons the former Bafana Bafana coach was there. Katsande also won the Amakhosi player of the year award for 2013/14.
Katsande holds the record of being the most capped foreigner player at Amakhosi, having made 326 appearances during his time at Naturena.
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.”
