For the eight years plus some months that Kaizer Chiefs have endured without winning silverware, Colombian forward Leonardo Castro wore the gold and black colours for half that time and felt the misery of leaving empty handed.
So, the mere mention of the subject of Chiefs still touches him.
READ | 'People must not be fooled' - Rulani clarifies Saavedra situation
Castro played under Steve Komphela, Patrick Mabedi (caretaker), Giovanni Solinas, Ernst Middendorp, Gavin Hunt, Arthur Zwane (caretaker), and Stuart Baxter through his four-and-a-half years at Chiefs before leaving to the USA where he now plays for Greenville Triumph.
"Chiefs is not supposed to be where they are now and everyone knows that the club needs to find a solution," Castro tells KickOff from across the Atlantic Ocean.
"I'm not surprised that they are where they are now because the issue of going to the market to get real quality players is going to cost money.
"I don't know what the budget of Chiefs is because that is only known by those inside the club.
"Chiefs are not supposed to be where they are and don't need to be bringing players from relegation clubs.
"The regular players at relegation clubs are not amazing players that can make a difference at a club like Chiefs.
ALSO READ | Castro delivers warning to new Chiefs striker
"That's my view because I have been following Chiefs and every season is going to be the same.
"It doesn't matter whether they bring Pep Guardiola, Pitso Mosimane or whoever but if they don't have the budget to get quality and improve the team then it will be the same.
"The more quality on the field, the more success you will get.
"Just look at (Mamelodi) Sundowns and the kind of quality that they are recruiting.
"Coach Rulani (Mokwena) went to (Orlando) Pirates, and the same thing happened but when he went to better quality at Sundowns he is winning.
"For me it doesn't matter if Pep comes to Chiefs or Pirates if the quality is not there, he won't win trophies.
"You can bring a good coach but if you don't have the material on the field then it will be difficult," says Castro while highlighting his thoughts about his departure from Chiefs.
"Chiefs wanted to take another direction with their project, and I wasn't in their plans which is fine because players come and go.
"What matters is the team and the biggest challenge facing Chiefs is that they must be clear in the direction that they are taking like what happens at Sundowns.
"Money shouldn't the excuse for a big club when they have a clear direction that they want to take just like Sundowns.
"Sundowns is ahead of all other teams because they recruit with the intention of winning and push their budget to extremes.
"That is a fact and the reality," says Castro who has 10 goals and enjoying his game in the USL League One.
"I have my confidence back but I'm now in another chapter of my life now.
"In moving to America, I had to factor in the future of my kids.
"I'm a professional who has always been taking care of his body which is why even now I still want to play another two to three years and I can do it.
"I have a better body than other youngsters because I'm taking care of myself and that is why I have been given the chance here," adds the Colombian.
You must be Sign In to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!