Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has shared his thoughts on midfielder Edson Castillo’s performance following his first start of the new season.
Castillo, who came to the club with high expectations, is working hard to regain his top form under Nabi’s leadership.
A Promising Arrival with High Hopes
Edson Castillo joined Kaizer Chiefs from Venezuelan side Monagas SC, and fans were eager to see what the midfielder would bring to the team.
Early on, he made an impression, contributing five goals and one assist, showing promise as a key player.
However, as the season wore on, Castillo’s performances dipped, and Chiefs ended up finishing outside of the top eight in the league standings.
New Season, New Coach, New Opportunities
This season, under new coach Nasreddine Nabi, Castillo is working his way back into the team.
He has started only once in Chiefs’ first three games, playing against Mamelodi Sundowns.
In the other two matches, against Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu FC, Castillo began on the bench as Nabi opted for different midfield combinations, favoring Yusuf Maart and Njabulo Blom.
Against Sundowns, Castillo was paired with Maart in the midfield, while Blom was relegated to the bench.
The wings were manned by Mduduzi Shabalala and Gaston Sirino, as Nabi shuffled his tactics to take on the reigning champions.
Castillo’s Performance: Coach Nabi’s Perspective
Despite Chiefs’ narrow defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, Castillo delivered a strong performance and even had a goal disallowed in the dying moments of the game.
However, Coach Nabi feels that Castillo is still not at his best. When asked about the Venezuelan’s progress, Nabi acknowledged that Castillo had a good start last season but struggled as it went on.
“Castillo started well last season, but his form dropped. It’s a matter of confidence and morale,” Nabi explained.
He went on to say that Castillo has yet to return to his top form following the pre-season but remains optimistic that the midfielder can improve.
“Step by step, I think today [against Sundowns] he was better than the last game,” Nabi added.
“I respect him a lot, he’s a professional, but we need to get him back to his best. I give players chances, but not too many.”
What’s Next for Castillo?
Coach Nabi’s comments suggest that while Castillo has not yet returned to the level that fans saw early in his Chiefs career, there is still hope for his resurgence.
Castillo’s journey under Nabi’s guidance will be one to watch, as the coach works to rebuild his confidence and return him to top form.
As the season progresses, Castillo will have more opportunities to prove his worth and establish himself as a central figure in Kaizer Chiefs’ midfield.
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