Katsande tells Mthethwa not to emulate him at Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs legend Willard Katsande has a special message for Sibongiseni Mthethwa, saying he must just be himself and not emulate him.

Katsande says he also arrived at Chiefs without thinking to emulate the likes of Tinashe Nengomasha but he established his own character.

ALSO READ I Hunt jabs at Sundowns budget after derby defeat

Speaking to Sowetan, the former Zimbabwe and Chiefs star, Katsande was responding to the talk that Mthethwa has filled his shoes.

This comes after the former Stellenbosch star moved to Amakhosi in September and has been touted as Katsande’s replacement who left the side in July 2021.

ALSO READ: Why Kaizer Chiefs wanted to sue DJ Sbu revealed

KATSANDE TELLS MTHETHWA NOT TO EMULATE HIM AT CHIEFS

Nicknamed ’Salt and Vinegar’, the hard-tackling midfielder, Katsande’s message to Mthethwa is to be himself at all times.

ALSO READ I Sundowns break another record, Mokwena on set pieces

“When I arrived at Chiefs, I arrived as Willard Katsande and I showcased my talent without trying to be like the previous guys like [Tinashe] Nengomasha and others,” Katsande tells Sowetan.

“It also makes me happy that people are still talking about my contributions after my playing days.

REVEALED: Is this the Amakhosi transfer shortlist for January

“To say Ox has filled my shoes isn’t a good thing because I’ve never left any shoes. He came in with his own style of play and he must not pay attention to those who’re comparing him with me.

“The man must thrive to write his own history and be his own man, not the new Katsande.”

ALSO READ I Frustrated Middendorp unhappy with ‘donating’ Spurs

While he rates the former Stellies star, Katsande adds that the new Chiefs recruit must not be intimidated by his records.

EX-CHIEFS STAR’S MESSAGE TO MTHETHWA

Judging Katsande’s sentiments, it seems the former AFCON campaigner is impressed by Mthethwa’s contribution so far.

The 29-year-old Bafana Bafana international has already started four of the five games he has played for Chiefs this season.

ALSO READ I Hlatshwayo reveals mental health struggles at Pirates

“He must not be intimidated by what I’ve done. He’s an excellent defensive midfielder and he must always remember that Kaizer Chiefs wouldn’t have signed him if he wasn’t talented,” adds Katsande.

“He must not change who he is to try and fit the profile that I was fitting… because many players end up losing themselves, trying to emulate others.

ALSO READ I Why Kaizer Chiefs fans might only see Ashley Du Preez again in February

“I really believe Ox is a quality player who’s capable of helping Chiefs reach greater heights but he must not be compared to me or other previous defensive midfielder who did well.

“I challenge him to maintain his style of play. I rate him very highly as a No 6.”

ALSO READ I Downs icon Mudau recalls slap incident, still apologetic