Chiefs star dumped by Venezuela, here's why that's the RIGHT call

Kaizer Chiefs star dumped by his country, and it makes sense

Time to knuckle down and boss games for Chiefs again?

Edson Castillo's potential exit from Kaizer Chiefs is making waves

Kaizer Chiefs' Edson Castillo pictured in their match against AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida stadium Image via @KaizerChiefs on x

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Edson Castillo is no longer part of Venezuela coach Jose Peseiro’s plans. If you look at it subjectively, it’s hard to disagree with him.

Kaizer Chiefs star Castillo doesn’t cut the mustard for Venezuela

30-year-old midfield dynamo Edson Castillo made his debut for La Vinotinto in June 2021. That’s almost three years and three months ago. In that time, he’s only collected nine caps. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to deduce that Edson Castillo isn’t a key part of the Venezuela setup. He wasn’t in their Copa América squad and isn’t part of the latest squad to face Bolivia and Uruguay. His last competitive action was in November 2023 when he played only 11 minutes across TWO World Cup qualifiers. Before that, the last sniff of game time he got was in October 2021 when he got 25 minutes against Brazil in a World Cup qualifier.

Kaizer Chiefs Edson Castillo — Kaizer Chiefs unveil Edson Castillo. Photo: @KaizerChiefs/Twitter

Kaizer Chiefs dip isn’t to blame

To blame Castillo’s understandable struggles at Chiefs in his debut season in a foreign country is missing the point. That’s reinforced by the 25-month gap between any meaningful involvement for Venezuela which can’t be attributed to Chiefs form because he wasn’t a Chiefs player until July of 2023. That being said, it’s still a dilemma for the club to solve. Initially, things went well for the midfield schemer who popped up with goals at key moments and started most of the games. The Amakhosi board will need to make a swift decision on his future; his contract expires in June 2025.

The bottom line is that Castillo simply isn’t good enough for the Venezuela National Team. There’s no shame in that with quality players like Girona’s Yangel Herrera, Austin’s Daniel Pereira and Toulouse’s Cristian Casseres Jr. ahead of him in the midfield pecking order. The challenge is for Chiefs to reincorporate him into their system to get the most out of a gifted footballer. Many midfielders across several leagues have excelled for their clubs after being shunned by their countries.

edson castillo kaizer chiefs — Castillo’s situation is a conundrum for Chiefs. Image: Fox Sports

First five league matches for Amakhosi fans to diarize

Meanwhile, The Glamour Boys kick off the 2024-2025 season with a trip to Marumo Gallants. Here’s what fans can expect in the opening weeks, including testing assignments against the champions and last season’s seventh-place finishers Matsatsantsa. R10 million signing Rushwin Dortley is the standout marquee acquisition.

Marumo Gallants vs Chiefs – Saturday, 14 September, Toyota Stadium, 17:30
Chiefs vs Stellenbosch – Sunday, 22 September, FNB Stadium, 15:00
AmaZulu vs Chiefs – Wednesday, 25 September, King Zwelithini Stadium, 19:30
Chiefs vs Sundowns – Saturday, 28 September, FNB Stadium, 15:00
SuperSport United vs Chiefs – Saturday, 26 October, Lucas Moripe Stadium, 17:30

Kaizer Chiefs Coach — Kaizer Chiefs fans encapsulating the passion of a Soweto Derby. Image: BackpagePix

Should Castillo focus on his club football?

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