Willard Katsande Opens Up on Failed Bundesliga Move and Real Madrid Dreams

• Willard Katsande became a legend at Kaizer Chiefs, but could have played in the Bundesliga for Hamburger SV
• Zimbabwe's Katsande believes that he could have played for Real Madrid if a coach had recognised his talent earlier
• Katsande played over 300 games for the Amakhosi and attracted interest from the German club during that time

Willard Katsande has become a household name in South African football, but he could have also made a name for himself in the Bundesliga.

The former Zimbabwean international attracted interest from Hamburger SV in Germany while he was with Kaizer Chiefs, but the move never materialised.

Katsande recently opened up on the failed move, explaining why it didn’t happen, The South African reported.

“After winning the league in my debut season at Chiefs, Hamburger came after my signature. But, unfortunately, the deal didn’t materialise because my contract was still running at Chiefs. I think, maybe, they disagreed on other terms,” he explained.

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Katsande to Real Madrid?

H-Metro noted that the former Sekhukhune United star also confessed that he believes he could have played for Real Madrid if he had a coach who had recognised his talents earlier.

When Katsande arrived in the country, he was used as an attacking midfielder. His coach at Ajax Cape Town, Foppe de Haan, realised he was better suited as a defensive midfielder and switched his position.

Katsande flourished in the role and soon attracted the interest of Kaizer Chiefs. Katsande believes that if a coach had recognised his talents earlier, he could have made a more prominent name for himself.

“If I had managed to find the right coaches, who knew where my strength was at the start of my career, without a doubt, I could have played for Real Madrid for one or two or three seasons.”

Katsande became a local legend

While Katsande didn’t get his dream move overseas, he did become a local legend.

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Football

He played 309 games for Kaizer Chiefs, scored 18 goals, and notched up nine assists during his spell at the Amakhosi, Transfermarkt reported. He also represented Ajax Cape Town and Sekhukhune United in South Africa. He retired after his stint with Sekhukhune.

Katsande recalled from retirement

Willard Katsande could be making a sudden return to professional football.

The former Zimbabwean international and Kaizer Chiefs star hung up his boots at the end of the season, but could be forced out of retirement, Sports Brief previously reported.

Katsande retired and took up the brand ambassador position at Sekhukhune United, but the club struggled to find a replacement.