Zimbabwe’s Willard Katsande unfazed following snub by national team coach Sunday Chidzambwa

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande admits he is going through a rough patch and his performances do not warrant a national team call-up.

The hard-tackling midfielder is a notable absentee in the Zimbabwean national squad to face Congo Brazzaville this month.

“It is just one game to go and we cannot be making experiments, so those who have been called into camp can do the job very well,” Katsande told Nehanda Radio.

The former Warriors skipper has been used sparingly by coach Ernst Middendorp and the national team coach Sunday Chidzambwa has decided against calling up the midfielder.

Moreover, the experienced midfielder has rallied behind the team, saying those who are called up for national duty are capable of making the country proud.

“Of course, I would have loved to be part of the team but, honestly, I am on a rough patch at the moment and it is justified for the coach not to take any risks,” concluded Katsande.

On the other hand, the former Ajax Cape Town midfielder believes all the players are equal and the national team is bigger than all the other payers.

Coming back to Amakhosi, the 33-year-old has been used as a second-half substitute in their domestic campaign and was called on to replace Philani Zulu last weekend against Maritzburg United in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

With Katsande having previously announced his retirement at international level, he has opened doors for players such as Golden Arrows midfielder Danny Phiri who is establishing himself at international level.

Meanwhile, the Southern Africans are looking for a point to qualify for their second successive Afcon tournament in Egypt and will want to beat the Congolese on Sunday March 24 at home.

The Warriors sit at the top of Group G table with eight points from five matches, they have two wins and draws as well as a single defeat so far.