Kaizer Chiefs forward Khama Billiat believes that striker Leonardo Castro remains an integral part of the team, despite his lack of game-time.

The Colombian has struggled for game time at Chiefs this season and has managed to feature on only two occasions, playing 45 minutes against Black Leopards and 47 against AmaZulu.

However, Castro looked to have rediscovered his goal-scoring form after completing a first-half hat-trick against rivals Sundowns to help his side claim glory in the Shell Helix Ultra Cup.

Billiat believes Castro is a special player due to his contributions on and off the ball, while stating that Castro has the full backing of the squad and the technical team.

‘He is a good player. We need him… everyone needs him and he has been working and the guys have been supporting him, the coaches have been supporting him,’ Billiat told the media.

‘We’re just happy that he scored those goals [against Sundowns]. As strikers, we like to score goals and that gives confidence.

‘He hasn’t played much, and to score goals, I hope it will give him confidence going forward and he’ll be at his best like everyone else.

‘We all just need to work hard like how he has been doing and whenever you get your chance then you’re able to help the team.’

‘I think position-wise – he gets into spaces and he’s always aware of his surroundings and it’s easy to run around him. He’s also good in the air which helps as well. He’s a great player, so, it’s easy to play around someone who is very good,’ he concluded.