Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has provided insight why veteran midfielder Willard Katsande was omitted from Amakhosi’s starting XI.

The 33-year-old, who has been an integral part of the Amakhosi squad for over seven years, has recently been sidelined for three consecutive games, and last played for the Soweto giants during their 1-1 draw against Orlando Pirates last month.

Since then, the Zimbabwean has found it difficult to break into the starting lineup, despite scoring three goals and making 24 appearances across all competitions this season.

The Amakhosi mentor revealed that Katsande’s absence from the squad was due to his selection process, and not because of injury.

‘The routine on our side is that we go through the normal process of selecting players, starting the week with those who should be in the 20 and then 18-man squad,’ Middendorp told the media.

‘And we have a certain idea, and in the moment some players are in. It’s not only about one player, but some players are in, while some need a bit of time to get back into it.

‘We saw it with Leonardo [Castro] – I thought he was fantastic [against Highlands Park on Saturday], after some moments of not being 100% clearly structured in our cup game [against The Magic FC] and falling a little bit apart, but now he’s back into it.

‘At the moment it’s not really [about individuals] – certain players are in and certain players are out. The brand and reputation of Kaizer Chiefs is bigger than one player, and everyone has to learn that.

‘Everyone has to contribute in the right way that we expect and that’s it – simple and plain. Probably he [Katsande] is on the field next week, why not?’