Ex-PSL midfielder Mogogi Gabonamong has outlined what Thatayaone Ditlhokwe needs to do to maintain the same level of consistency he displayed at SuperSport United to nail down a regular starting berth under Molefi Ntseki.
Gabonamong expects Kaizer Chiefs’ new signing to settle well into his new environment, given the player’s performances for his previous club, SuperSport United.
However, he underlined that Ditlhokwe now needs to double his efforts, given the media attention and scrutiny he will be subjected to at one of Africa’s most illustrious clubs.
Ditlhokwe spent three seasons in Pretoria, and his latest move is widely regarded as “a step up”.
DISCIPLINE AND FOCUS
“It’s certainly a great move for TT. To play regularly at Supersport United is never easy, and he was able to do that. Chiefs are obviously on their own level, with a different kind of pressure to that of SuperSport. But I don’t see why he can’t fit in well there,” said Gabonamong.
“He just needs to maintain the same level of discipline and focus, he will be alright. What’s really important is for him to continue working twice as hard because he is a foreigner. I can never stress this enough to our players, that’s the only way to get the nod ahead of local players.”
DITLHOKWE’S QUALITIES
Gabonamong believes that Ditlhokwe has the ability to move overseas in the near future, with Chiefs acting as a stepping stone.
“The fact that he was able to catch Chiefs’ eye in just three years says a lot about his focus and dedication. Big moves like that often take players a very long time. But TT is a quality player, so I am not surprised at all. He is a solid centre-back,” added Gabonamong.
“TT is always willing to put his body on the line; he is strong in the air, good in possession, has great physical strength, and he is a leader. He is just what Chiefs need at the back. Once he does well at Chiefs, I can see him going overseas,” the former Botswana international opined.
THE MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
Gabonamong concluded by stressing the need for Ditlhokwe to remain grounded and focused under intense media scrutiny.
“He is going to be under the media spotlight every day now. That attention can either make or break a player, he must remain focused, and he will be fine,” said the ex-Bloem Celtic and SuperSport man.
“Every game he will be critiqued. He just needs to remain strong and be unfazed, whether the media praises or criticizes him. He must remain rock solid and not let anything get him down. I am not worried about him at all because I know he’s very strong mentally.
Story written by Bongani Malunga
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