Despite being heavily linked with a loan move away from Kaizer Chiefs for the 2024/25 season, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe has stayed put at Amakhosi and now insiders have provided reasons for the defender's recourse.
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The Botswana international saw a drastic change in fortunes during his time at Chiefs.
Signed as a free agent from SuperSport United at the start of the 2023/24 season, Ditlhokwe featured regularly under Molefi Ntseki and Cavin Johnson. He made 21 appearances in all competitions.
However, he would not have the same luck upon the arrival of Nesreddine Nabi at the club.
It was early in pre-season when the Tunisian coach reportedly made it clear that the 26-year-old would not form part of his plans and shortly thereafter Rushwin Dortley and Bradley Cross - both of whom play in the same position as Ditlhokwe, were signed.
While the player is undoubtedly a quality defender, it is understood that his ability to play out from the back was not quite at the standard required by Nabi, which led to the belief that the former Matsatsantsa man could be on his way out of Naturena.
Now, insiders have informed the crew that Ditlhokwe was kept on as he would serve as a back-up to Dortley, who has become the club's main left-sided centre back, given the injury to Edmilson Dove who has been ruled out for a lengthy period following a ruptured Achilles tendon.
The player is also believed to have vowed to work on his shortcomings and fight for his place in the Amakhosi starting XI.
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