Modern day defending is an art, something Kaizer Chiefs' leaky and unstable defence has often failed to master and one wonders just how Thatayaone Ditlhokwe will fare at the Soweto giants. Could he be just what Chiefs have been in dire need of at the back? Those who know him all too well explain what sets him apart from his peers…
ONISMOR BHASERA – SuperSport United teammate and former Chiefs player
"Chiefs is a dream move"
"I've already congratulated TT on the move and to be honest with you, he earned it. He put in the work since joining us. It's never easy for anyone coming to the South African league from outside the country and I shared with him that I was once in his shoes. You got to adjust quicker and prove yourself first and he's done that well. He's improved really well, worked on some of his weaknesses… he puts in the extra work at training and after training, goes to the gym when not training. He's ready. Just his consistency has been incredible. His discipline is unbelievable and that will make a huge difference for him at Chiefs. Put aside what's been happening at Chiefs over the years, it's one of the biggest clubs, if not, the biggest in the country and to see his growth in earning this move has been great to watch. We are always together and as a friend and a brother, I've obviously spoken to him at length on what to expect at Chiefs. I've been there so every piece of advice I gave him came from a good place…from experience. I told him what he's been doing here, he must do it five times there because he'll always be on the spotlight. There's no off day in the office there and people will always find a reason to critique so he shouldn't relax one bit.
"Nothing to scare him off or anything like that… I told him it's a very professional club, yet demanding, week in and out and that wherever he will be playing, will be a home game. The only difference with him moving to Chiefs compared to me back in the day is that Chiefs were winning then… they could never go a season without winning anything, but that's changed. There's way too much pressure now, but I'm not worried about him not handling the pressure, he will, but he'll need to remain mentally strong and consistent. He's mentally strong and mature and he knows what he's getting himself into, so he'll be okay. I don't doubt him. I've told him as soon as he gets his chance, he must grab it and make sure he never lets go. Chiefs is a dream move for any player and I wish him all the very best."
KAITANO TEMBO - His former coach at SuperSport United
"They relaxed too much"
"He's tactically very good, strong in the air. He's defensively good in build ups and I've got no doubt he'll make it at Chiefs. He's an international player, captains his senior team…that should tell you a lot about his maturity. He will definitely adapt to the Chiefs environment, but the challenge will be just how quickly will he and the sooner he adapts will be key for him. There's obviously so much pressure at Chiefs at the moment because they haven't won a single trophy in nine years if I'm not mistaken and he will, no question about it, be under pressure, but with the right support around him, he will survive it. When he joined us at SuperSport, I threw him in the deep end and that proved to be a good decision. He became one of the leading players in the team at a very young age. I was a little bit surprised though that SuperSport took that long to offer him a new contract, for a team that knows great talent when they see it. They relaxed too much… I think they thought they still have a lot of time, but unfortunately when a team like Chiefs come knocking, no player will say 'no'. I started the conversation with the team to renew his contract and negotiations had begun before I left and I don't know what happened after that, hence I was shocked that he hadn't extended all along. What's important is for him to focus on where he's going right now, and he'll certainly make a difference there."
DEAN FURMAN – His former SuperSport teammate captain
"He'll be a success at Chiefs"
"It's pleasing to see TT's progress since he arrived in South Africa. I always remember one of his first few days at the club when he led a team prayer and he absolutely struck me with his confidence and assertion… just how he took control of a situation that could have been somewhat daunting for many. And that for me, showed that he's a leader who's willing to step up to the plate. He's not afraid to put himself forward and that's is a quality trait to have. It's no surprise to see he's won the captain's armband at SuperSport already and I think that will put him in a really great place to deal with the pressures at Chiefs. On the pitch, I was mostly impressed with his courage. As good defenders always do, he was always willing to put his body on the line. He's very strong physically, moves really well, he's good in the air. He'll be a great asset on and off the pitch for Kaizer Chiefs and I'm looking forward to seeing him evolve further there. No doubt he'll be a success there."
DINDI RANTHOKA – His former U-17 Coach/junior coach
"He will go overseas"
What a humble soul this boy is. Extremely family-oriented. I first met TT back in 2015 when I was coaching Botswana Secondary Schools team (BISA) and he was about 16-years-old, doing Form 4 (Grade 11) by then. We went to play in Zimbabwe and without any fear or favour, I made him the team captain as I immediately picked up his leadership qualities. He's always been very religious, so much so that when we were in that camp, he came to report to us as coaches that there were a few guys in camp who were refusing to pray before having their meals as well as the night prayers. At 16 doing that, he showed me just how rooted he is. I played a huge role in facilitating his move from Nico United to Gaborone United. As soon as he told me Chiefs were looking to sign him, I told him, go for it. He's got what it takes to make it at Chiefs and I'll take a bullet if he doesn't make it. And knowing how ambitious he is, he won't stay at Chiefs for too long, he'll go overseas."
MOGOGI GABONAMONG – Former SuperSport United and Botswana international
"He's a rare breed"
TT is a special breed of player… A leader. Very disciplined, mature and brave. One thing I like about him, which I find our young players from home often struggle to grasp well, is that as a foreigner, he understands he can't put in the same work rate as that of a local player. He understands that and if he remains focused, he'll succeed at Chiefs. The fact that he's been playing international football for so long already should tell you he's something special. He couldn't have found a better club than SuperSport to adapt to the South African league and grow at over the past couple of years. It was just the perfect side for him, very professional and family-driven… all he needed to do was focus and deliver and he did that. It was a launching pad for him and there's really no reason why he would fail at Chiefs.
