Ditlhokwe tipped to succeed at Chiefs
Mqondisi Dube | Saturday January 21, 2023 06:00
Ditlhokwe has signed a pre-contract with South Africa’s glamour club and will officially join on a four-year deal in July 1. Amakhosi made a move for Ditlhokwe who had a sparkling career with Pretoria side, Supersport United.
The former Gaborone United and Township Rollers player moved to Supersport in 2020 and has been a vital cog for Matsatsantsa a Pitori, which saw him wear the captain’s armband. Chiefs did not waste time in tying the 24-year-old to a long-term deal after reports in South Africa indicated the struggling giants were closing in on a move this week.
Former national team stalwart, Gabonamong has no doubt ‘TT’ will thrive at Chiefs. "It's a great move for him to play for Chiefs and he is definitely going to do well. He did well at Supersport, and remember Supersport is a great team in South Africa. For me it is not a surprise that he has moved to Amakhosi," Gabonamong told Mmegi Sport.
Coach Arthur Zwane's misfiring Chiefs is in need of refreshing in the off-season and Ditlhokwe will be part of the new arrivals when the South African season kicks-off in August. But Zebras coach, Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote, while happy for Ditlhokwe, urged caution. "Provided he goes there (to Chiefs) to play. The problem with Chiefs is where they are now.
It appears there is lack of discipline," Mpote said. Chiefs is enduring a tough season and only last week, were on end of a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of AmaZulu. They face Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday night. Mpote said other than concerns over the state of Chiefs at the moment, the move is good for the player. "It's a good move for him although in terms of competition, I do not know.
If he plays, that will be good. It is a dream come true for him as most people in Botswana support (Orlando) Pirates or Chiefs," Mpote said. He added Ditlhokwe’s move will also benefit the national team and will serve as a motivation to other local players seeking to further their careers abroad, particularly in South Africa.
Efforts to get a comment from Chiefs coach, Zwane were futile as he had not responded to Mmegi Sport enquiries at press time. The number of Botswana players to South Africa is down to a trickle, and Mpote hopes that the move will spark a resurgence. Ditlhokwe is Botswana's sole representative in South Africa's DSTV Premiership.