Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has sent a heartfelt message to departed defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, who recently switched to Al-Ittihad in North Africa.
In an unexpected move, the Botswana national team captain ended his Chiefs stint to sign with the Libyan giants for a fee reported at R15 million.
The 26-year-old centre-back had been with the Phefeni Glamour Boys since the beginning of the 2023/24 season, having joined from the Betway Premiership rivals SuperSport United.
Nabi conveyed his best wishes to Ditlhokwe for his new chapter at the North African club. He lauded the left-footed defender’s professional attitude, which he witnessed firsthand since joining Chiefs this season.
NABI ON THATAYAONE DITLHOKWE – ‘HE’S A LOVELY GUY’
“Firstly, I want to wish TT all the best in his new adventure,” said Nabi after Chiefs’ Nedbank Cup match against Chippa United at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
“He is a lovely guy; he’s a very professional guy. He’s given his all to Kaizer Chiefs, and this is a good opportunity for him, his life, and his family.
“Everyone who has [served] Kaizer Chiefs, [the team] gives back also in return. This is a high-level club in the world.”
When asked how they’d handle the left-back spot, given Ditlhokwe’s occasional appearances there, Nabi mentioned they have Happy Mashiane and Edmilson Dove as options.
In addition to the duo mentioned above, the Tunisia tactician can call upon Bradley Cross, who signed from Golden Arrows at the start of the campaign.
SOLUTION FOR THE LEFT-BACK POSITION AT KAIZER CHIEFS
“I’m happy with [Edmilson] Dove; we have [Happy] Mashiane. Mashiane has had too much time not playing, and maybe the tempo [of the game against Chippa was too high for him]…but he [was] not bad,” he added.
“For me, he’s very good, but [he has to fix] small things, maybe defensively…
“Dove can play central back-left and left-back. So, I think we have the solution for [the remaining] four months [of the season].”
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