Willard Katsande says Kaizer Chiefs will always be in his heart after serving the club for 10 years where he ‘represented the badge with respect and dignity’.
The 35-year-old Zimbabwean international defender was released alongside six other players as Amakhosi rebuild ahead of the upcoming DStv Premiership campaign.
Katsande won four major trophies with Chiefs including two league titles, for a total of 326 appearances, having signed from Ajax Cape Town in 2011.
In an emotional letter following his departure, the loyal Chiefs servant penned his thanks to the club.
He wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that I must leave my beloved Kaizer Chiefs family. I am eternally grateful to the chairman of the club, Mr Kaizer Motaung, for granting me the opportunity to represent this great institution over the past 10 years.
“To the peace-loving fans of Kaizer Chiefs, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your support and encouragement over the years. You have constantly been the 12th man lifting our spirits, during the good times and difficult phases.
“I trust that I represented the badge and brand with the respect and dignity it deserves. Respect the badge in front and the faithful will forever remember the name at the back.
“I am blessed beyond imagination, having represented my childhood dream club for over 320 games, lifted four trophies, and participated in the Champions League. Kaizer Chiefs is my family and will always be in my heart.”