Botswana national team coach Mogomotsi Teenage Mpote has explained the qualities his Zebras captain Thatayaone Ditlhokwe brings to Kaizer Chiefs following his move from SuperSport United.
The highly-rated defender put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Chiefs after spending three years at Matsatsantsa.
Amakhosi had announced during the January window period last campaign that they secured the services of Thatayaone Ditlhokwe.
Ditlhokwe was unveiled on Monday along with five other signings; Given Msimango [TS Galaxy], Mduduzi Mdantsane [Cape Town City]. Venezuelan international Edson Daniel Castillo Garcia [Monagas SC], Ranga Chivaviro [Marumo Gallants] and Pule Mmodi [Golden Arrows] complete the list.
‘TT’, as he is affectionately known by admirers of his on-field exploits, has teamed up with Amakhosi for pre-season with the rest of the new players.
The six players join Amakhosi at a time when the club is under immense pressure to end their eight-season silverware drought. The constant pressure from the supporters, who are growing increasingly impatient, can make it difficult for new players to settle at Chiefs.
However, Botswana coach Mpote is convinced that Ditlhokwe will thrive in pressure cooker situations, as the 24-year-old is familiar with such an environment.
‘AMAKHOSI pressure cooker good for Ditlhokwe’
By playing for Township Rollers, the most supported team in Botswana, Mpote said Ditlhokwe has developed a thick skin to weather the storm.
“He was from a big club [before joining SuperSport United] in Botswana, Township Rollers. So how do you fail to play for a crowd-puller when you are from a crowd-puller? I don’t think there is any problem,” said Mpote.
“I’m happy that he has signed for Kaizer Chiefs. The move will improve his game. Chiefs is always under pressure. And it’s nice to have a player who is always under pressure to deliver.”
The Botswana international will be expected to add stability to the Chiefs defence. And he could be a key player in the club’s quest to win a trophy in the new PSL season.
Mpote has a long history with Ditlhokwe as the coach that gave Amakhosi’s new defence the captain’s armband five years ago to lead Botswana.
“I chose him in 2019, when he was 20 or 21, to be the captain of Botswana,” added Mpote. “The only senior player then was Joel Mogorosi.
“So for him to be captain, a leader, we will see there at Kaizer Chiefs that he is a leader. You will see his skills in leading because he is one player who is brave to control. And ‘TT’ playing for Chiefs will also inspire the young boys in Botswana to want to play in SA.”
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