Kaizer Chiefs boss Nasreddine Nabi says Edson Castillo is struggling with confidence after a dip in form that saw him fail to maintain the level he displayed when he joined Amakhosi last season.
After joining the Soweto giants at the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign, the midfielder quickly found his feet and played an influential role at the club.
Castillo’s splendid performance saw him getting call-ups to the Venezuelan national team and was said to have attracted interest from clubs in Egypt, the Middle East and his home country.
But the Glamour boys’ struggles for results led to coaching changes with Molefi Ntseki being replaced by Cavin Johnson, and Castillo’s form also took a nosedive.
On Saturday, the 30-year-old player started his first game under coach Nabi in the controversial 2-1 defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership.
Castillo played off the bench in the first two games which were victories against Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu FC.
Nabi said the player is not back to his level but is prepared to work with him to get to the required level.
“I think Castillo started last season on a good note, but his form took a dip after that. That’s what the statistics say,” Nabi said.
“Maybe that situation impacted his morale and confidence, and the bad time (for him) continued.
“At this moment, after the preseason, the real Castillo has not come back. He is a good man, a gentleman, I respect him too much.
“I will help him regain his confidence step by step. I think today, he was a little bit better compared to the last game,” the coach said.
“I will give him a chance because I do give out chances but not too much.
“I think professionally, he is not where needs to be, but I believe if he regains his confidence he will progress.”
Chiefs are on a break and will resume their league fixtures against SuperSport United away from home on Saturday, October 26.
