Chiefs proud of Castillo’s call-up, despite not playing for Venezuela

The call-up of Kaizer Chiefs‘ new midfielder, Edson Castillo, to the Venezuelan national team, is seen as a promising sign, according to coach Molefi Ntseki.

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Though Castillo didn’t make the matchday squads for their recent Fifa break matches, Ntseki acknowledges that actual game time would have been beneficial. 

However, he emphasises that simply being in the national team camp will be advantageous for both Castillo and the Chiefs as he gains experience and continues to develop as a player. 

“The first thing is for us to congratulate him for the call up to his national team,” said Ntseki on Wednesday. 

“I think it is every player’s dream to play for their national team and it is a very big achievement for him to be recognised  and called up for the national team while playing for Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa. 

“Just being in camp was a good thing because he was a part of the team. And he went through the training and preparation with the team. 

“I would have been much happier if he had played. And knowing the type of player he is, I know he would have loved to play. 

“So, it is not a good thing for him that he didn’t play, but it is good for us that he was selected for the camp,” added Ntseki.

Castillo a big figure in Chiefs plan

Chiefs are gearing up for a significant Carling Knockout Cup last 16 clash against AmaZulu this Saturday at FNB Stadium. 

Ntseki is hoping to have Castillo available for the game but he says he can only know by late Friday. 

Castillo has become a key figure in Ntseki’s lineup and has certainly made a positive impact for the Naturena-based team. 

Making his potential inclusion a critical factor in the upcoming match. His performance could be a game-changer for Chiefs as they aim for success in the competition.

“The time zones are a bit of  a problem, but he is a professional,” says the Amakhosi mentor. 

“We are looking forward to him arriving back in South Africa on Thursday night. 

“We are hoping to have him in our captain’s run on Friday. We will then take it from there. 

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“We will get advice from the medical and conditioning team in terms of how many minutes we can have him on the field for. He is a very important member if the team”