Zimbabwean born hardman, Willard Katsande has been solid every time when called upon by the Technical Team to do business for the team. He spoke to kaizerchiefs.com about the coming up game against Ajax Cape Town, his ambitions and the love for his family.

Before the interview Willard Katsande teases Assistant Coach, Doctor Khumalo and the two are at each other’s case for a few minutes.

There seems to be a good vibe between the players and the Technical Team....

The relationship between the players and the Technical Team has been superb as you saw me joking with Doc (Doctor Khumalo).

The players are free to talk to the Technical Team about their feelings. There has been much more openness something we appreciate as players. We joke, laugh but when it comes to work it is serious business and there is no joking around. I must say though I have enjoyed working with the current Technical Team.

I feel that my game has improved this season. I keep working hard and I want to be a better player than I am currently.

You also seem to enjoy training....

We all enjoy training here; today we first spoke about the Platinum Stars game and after that we were off to training. The training was competitive as always. The fight for places is fierce but still we enjoy it which is nice.

You have been getting more game time lately as compared to the start of the season. What went through your mind when you did not feature in the first three games of the season?

I knew coming into the season that the competition for places will be even tighter. I was also aware that the Coach was coming with a new philosophy so I just carried on working hard on my game.

The Coaches were also encouraging me to work hard and they told me that I will get my chance. I am grateful to the Technical Team and my teammates for giving me the support.

The 4th of December is approaching fast....

(Laughs) We are coming up against Ajax Cape Town next Tuesday and it is a massive game for us. We want to return to winning ways.

I will always be connected somehow to Ajax as they gave me a breakthrough here in the league but that is where it ends. I am happy at Kaizer Chiefs where I have featured most and Ajax is history to me. We are going to the game next week with one thing in mind to bring back three points to Naturena.

How much has staying with your family helped you focus on your football career?

I am grateful for the support I have received from my wife, Memory. We have been together for a while now and we have three beautiful kids, Sharon (5), Willard Jnr (3) and Stacy (2 months old).

Having my family in Joburg has kept my feet on the ground and straight from training I go home. I know that they are waiting for me. Willard Jnr is already watching our games on TV but his favourite player is Shabba (Siphiwe Tshabalala) (Laughs).

What do you want to achieve with the team this season?

We are taking one game at a time and there is nothing more I want to achieve than helping my team beat Ajax Cape Town next Tuesday. We of course want to win the league but we are not looking that far ahead what is important for now is the next game.

Kaizer Chiefs take on Ajax Cape Town in their next game in Polokwane, at Peter Mokaba Stadium…Tuesday, 4 December; kick-off 19:30. Tickets are sold at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers nationwide, R40 for Adults.