Kaizer Chiefs executive chairman, Dr. Kaizer Motaung has given his verdict on the club’s new arrival, Venezuelan international, Edson Castillo.
The Soweto giants unveiled Castillo on Friday at Naturena after announcing that they handed the midfielder a two-year contract with a one-year option earlier this week.
Castillo, who can be deployed to play in several positions, joins Chiefs from Monagas SC in the Venezuelan Primera Division.
Dr Kaizer said he is delighted with the signing of the player and expects him to shine in Chiefs colours in the new season. However, the Amakhosi boss made it clear that the club won’t put Castillo under pressure.
“We welcome him. We brought him here because of the talent that we saw and we hope that he can be happy here and also make history here in Africa,” said the Amakhosi chairman.
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“I have played with players from South America when I was Atlanta (Chiefs) in America, and they were all good people, so I know exactly what we can expect from him.
“We won’t put too much pressure on him. He must feel free, he must feel like he is with family. He must feel comfortable around anybody here. I wish him a very good journey with us,” added Dr Kaizer.
In addition: “The club has high hopes that he will add a dimension of South American flavour to the Amakhosi engine room.”
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Meanwhile, Castillo also spoke for the first time since joining Chiefs. He expressed his joy at the prospect of playing for Amakhosi.
He is the third Venezuelan player to feature for Chiefs after Jose Torrealba and Leandro Perez.
“Like the Venezuelan players who have been here before, I want to make my mark while I am with the team,” said Castillo.
“I’m very happy for the opportunity, and I am also very excited about coming to such a big club. I had opportunities to go to other clubs, but when I heard about the interest from such a big club I had no doubts about coming here, and seeing this welcome, I am very happy and believe I have made the right decision. I want to win trophies and have a successful time here.”
Edson Castillo has played six matches on the international stage with the Venezuela national team. He featured in the 2021 Copa America, scoring against Ecuador.
The 29-year-old midfielder is the sixth player to join Chiefs ahead of the 2023/24 season. Others include Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Given Msimango, Pule Mmodi, Mduduzi Mdantsane and Ranga Chivaviro.