Willard Katsande backs Kaizer Chiefs’ pragmatic approach insisting winning matters most

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande has emphasised that results matter most for his former club, even if they aren’t playing the most attractive football, particularly as they aim to progress further in the Caf Confederations Cup.

Amakhosi have been a side on the rise, and even imperfect performances have slowly handed them much-needed confidence after a torrid last two seasons. 

At the start of the season, there were doubts about whether the club could handle a return to continental competition, several years after reaching the final in 2021 — and so far, they have answered with strength and promise.

The primary goal has always been to improve league standings and secure a top-eight finish for the first time in two seasons. So far, the team’s momentum is opening up possibilities that once seemed unlikely, as they currently sit third in the league, mounting a challenge for the title.

In the Confed Cup, Amakhosi are third in their group with two matches remaining, level on eight points with Egyptian side Al Masry, while group leaders Zamalek hold a one-point advantage over the chasing pair.

Having earned their place in the competition by winning last season’s Nedbank Cup, Amakhosi will kick off the defence of their title against Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday at the Cape Town Stadium (7pm kickoff).

This represents a key phase of the season as they return to a tournament that played a major role in turning around the club’s fortunes. Since defeating Orlando Pirates 1-0 in last season's final, they have carried that momentum into this campaign.

With Al Masry expected to arrive in South Africa shortly after the Nedbank Cup clash with Stellies for a Sunday showdown with Amakhosi, Katsande has urged the team to remain focused on results and stick to what has been working, particularly in defence—a crucial area this season that has largely underpinned their success and consistency.

“The CAF games are not easy, and the most important thing is to get the maximum points when playing at home and force a draw when playing away from home,” Katsande said on Radio2000 show Game On.

“We are happy that the team is cruising, and at the same time they are keeping clean sheets, because the most important thing going forward in the tournament will be the defence. If that is organised, you just need that one goal.”

Despite success both on the continent and domestically, concerns remain over the team’s lack of dominant performances, even though they consistently secure crucial results.

Katsande, a former Chiefs captain and one of their most reliable performers, believes that while the style of play may not always impress, securing victories is what counts most at this stage.

“Nobody remembers a team that played well but didn’t win, but people remember the teams that win matches,” he continued.

“The most important thing is to go to training and address areas that need improvement, but for now it’s about getting the job done.

“At the end of the day, coaches, management and players are accountable for winning or losing. Playing in Africa is about results, not performance.

“The fans may want flair and entertainment, but they need to focus on the bigger picture, which is getting the job done.”