Kaizer Chiefs enforcer Katsande defends his aggressive style of play

The Zimbabwean, who is one of 12 contenders for the KICK OFF Footballer of the Season award, has courted criticism in the past for being too aggressive in the midfield exchanges - particularly last term.

Katsande, however, maintains physicality is what his game is about, and says his conscience is clear as he never enters a challenge with malicious intent.  

"I told myself that if I am going to get four yellow cards in four games in a row and then miss the fifth then so be it, because I cannot change myself and be Lionel Messi or Shabba [Siphiwe Tshabalala] - I am Katsande and my job is all about hard work, and aggression and being physical is my game," Katsande told KICK OFF magazine.

"So I was never worried about going into tackles and in my head I told myself that I will still go into tackles because I never have malicious intentions, and if I am going to be suspended for the fifth game then it's fine."

Katsande added that he feels he is better understood by commentators and officials alike this season. 

"Yes, I am a physical player but I always have my eyes on the ball and so maybe people are now judging me better. I will never change myself - which is why I am still going into tackles. 

"It is just that the referee or people analysing the the games are doing so at a better view from my side. To suggest I have changed anything about the way I play is wrong because I haven't changed anything."

For more on Katsande, and how Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has gotten the best out of the 28-year-old, get the latest edition of KICK OFF, Issue 445. On sale now! Or buy a digital copy!