Thatayaone Ditlhokwe opens up about first six months with Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe has offered a reflective glimpse into his first six months at the club, touching upon challenges encountered, lessons learned, and his message to the club’s faithful.

The Botswana captain has steadily carved his space within the Amakhosi ranks. And despite the recent shoulder injury while on international duty, Ditlhokwe has settled well at Naturena since his move from SuperSport United. 

The 25-year-old has played 16 games in all competitions so far. However, Ditlhokwe has not featured for Chiefs since the 1-0 loss in the Soweto Derby against rivals Orlando Pirates in the DStv Premiership due to the injury. 

Ditlhokwe has said that despite the injury, he has held his head high and remains focused while navigating the pressures of Chiefs’ life.

HOW THATAYAONE DITLHOKWE RATES HIS TIME AT KAIZER CHIEFS 

“I am not sure which answer I can give you because I have been playing. But unfortunately, an injury came, and I was out, so you would never know how to rate yourself,” said Ditlhokwe.

“It’s all about keeping your head up and focusing so that at the end of the day, you get to that level you have wished for or that target that you have set for yourself.”

BOTSWANA INTERNATIONAL AWARE OF HIGH EXPECTATIONS AT AMAKHOSI 

“Obviously, the expectations are high, but you, as a player, are the tool. You are the one that should bring that smile to them [supporters], and for you to bring that smile to them, you must have that calm mind,” he said. 

“Focus on the main objective of the day, the approach of the game and focus on the process that will take you to the promised land. Don’t focus on the promised land, but focus on the process.”

Ditlhokwe also shared a special message to the Amakhosi faithful, who have been waiting for over a decade for silverware. 

“I can say, Khosi Nation, come and support us. As players, as always, we promise to give 100 per cent. Our aim and objective is to bring the smile back to your face.”

Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs were drawn against Milford FC in the last 32 of the 2024 Nedbank Cup. 

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