Botswana coach Ramoreboli speaks on captain Ditlhokwe’s situation at Chiefs
Botswana National Team interim head coach Morena Ramoreboli has shared his insights on the limited game time of his captain, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, at SA giants Kaizer Chiefs.
Ramoreboli, also the coach of the reigning Botswana Premier League champions, Jwaneng Galaxy, took on the Botswana National Team coaching position in October. The South Africa-born coach replaced Didier Gomes Da Rosa, who resigned from his role.
Ditlhokwe is a key player for Ramoreboli’s Zebras and a captain. However, he has faced challenges in securing playing time with Amakhosi due to stiff competition. Rushwin Dortley and Inacio Miguel have been regular starters.
In the current 2024/25 PSL season, Ditlhokwe has made just one appearance in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals.
Despite his lack of game time at club level, Ditlhokwe has been a mainstay for Botswana. He has played a crucial role in the Zebras’ qualification campaign for the 2025 AFCON. With six points from four matches, Botswana needs only a point against Mauritania to secure their place in the continental showpiece set to be staged in Morocco.
The 26-year-old Ditlhokwe has started all four qualifiers and has helped the team keep two clean sheets, contributing to two wins and two defeats.
MORENA RAMOREBOLI SAYS DITLHOKWE’S STRUGGLES AT CHIEFS ARE BECAUSE OF COACH NABI’S DECISION
According to Ramoreboli, Ditlhokwe’s lack of game time at Chiefs is a result of coach Nasreddine Nabi’s tactical choices.
“Thatayaone Ditlhokwe is the captain of the national team who is contributing positively every time he’s in camp,” Ramoreboli told FARPost. “As much as football is a game of competition, there is no player who will put himself on the field. Ditlhokwe will not select himself to be in the team, it’s the responsibility of coaches.
“If this does happen because of other reasons, we should respect the fact that maybe he’s not good enough at how the coach wants to play. We shouldn’t make the mistake of starting to judge the player that he’s not a good player.”
“This is an individual who is very professional and working hard. He understands that ‘I might not get an opportunity to play at club level, but I will keep fighting’.
Ramoreboli clarified that Ditlhokwe’s continued selection for the national team is based on his valuable contributions to the team’s performance.
“If Ditlhokwe will be selected to come play in the country, and does not give enough, I don’t think there would be a need for us to keep on calling him,” he added.
“But Ditlhokwe comes in, remains humble, and remains focused. That’s one part that’s making things easier for us.”
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