The restrictions that Edson Castillo had to his minutes count at Kaizer Chiefs since his injury have been of no issue back home in Venezuela.
While Castillo has only played 64 minutes spread over four appearances since his return from injury, Venezuela coach Fernando Batista has not been bothered.
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He has been brought in to camp as a replacement ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia on Saturday morning and Uruguay on June 11.
The 31-year-old earned his last cap against Argentina in October as a late substitute.
While away from international duty, Castillo’s name was mentioned with the midfield man having played thrice during these qualifiers.
He missed the last two camps after he fractured his fibula earlier that month during a league match against SuperSport United.
Castillo will remain at Amakhosi in the new season after the club exercised the option of a further year on his contract.
As one of the lowest-ranked countries in CONMEBOL, Venezuela remains the only South American country to hand out caps to players while plying their trade in the PSL.
La Vinotinto have had Rafael Dudamel as their most prominent player to play in the PSL.
The retired goalkeeper earned 58 caps for Venezuela and was still called up throughout his season of battles at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he made eight appearances in the 2005/06 campaign before leaving.
Jose Torrealba won 10 caps for Venezuela while playing in the PSL for Sundowns and Chiefs.
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He won seven caps while playing for The Brazilians and then added another three when he got to the Soweto giants with his international career ending while he was at Naturena.
Castillo is only the third Venezuelan to play for Chiefs after Torrealba and Gustavo Paez.
