Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has explained Willard Katasande's absence from Amakhosi's line-up for the last three games and says the midfielder could soon make a return to action.

The 33-year-old has been conspicuous in his absence, with Middendorp electing to leave Katsande out of his matchday squad for the recent games against Polokwane City and Highlands Park despite having recovered a from a hamstring problem quite some time ago.

The Zimbabwe international's patience has been tested, but his wait will soon come to an end, according to Middendorp.

"The routine on our side is that we go through the normal process of selecting players, starting the week with those who should be in the 20 and then 18-man squad," Middendorp is quoted as saying by KickOff website.

"And we have a certain idea, and in the moment some players are in. It's not only about one player, but some players are in while some need a bit of time to get back into it.

"We saw it with Leonardo [Castro] – I thought he was fantastic [against Highlands Park on Saturday], after some moments of not being 100% clearly structured in our cup game [against The Magic FC] and falling a little bit apart, but now he's back into it.

"At the moment it's not really [about individuals] – certain players are in and certain players are out. The brand and reputation of Kaizer Chiefs is bigger than one player, and everyone has to learn that.

"Everyone has to contribute in the right way that we expect and that's it – simple and plain. Probably he [Katsande] is on the field next week, why not?"

Despite his recent absence, Katasande has still managed 17 appearances in the Absa Premiership this season, making a further seven in the various local cup competitions.