Thatayaone Ditlhokwe's lack of game time at Kaizer Chiefs is causing no problems for the Botswana national team, as caretaker coach Morena Ramoreboli explained why his inclusion is so important.
Ditlhokwe remains a key member of the national team despite not getting game time under Nasreddine Nabi at Naturena. He's got just one appearance for the Soweto giants this season, as a second half substitute against Mamelodi Sundowns after Inacio Miguel had been given his marching orders.
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No matter how tough things have been for Chiefs, Ditlhokwe's spot in the national team has not been under threat. He remains the captain and a regular starter and Ramoreboli, who has been roped in as a caretaker coach, explained to the Siya crew why the former SuperSport United defender is of utmost importance to the Zebras.
"To be honest with you, TT is very important for us because, one, he is a leader who commands and organises the team. Two, he is a very rare left-sided centre-back. He is good technically, he can play long and short passes with quality, he is strong in the air. For him to be selected for the national team is based on what he gives to the national team and what he gives. We need leadership, a bit of calmness and that's what we get from him. We need a disciplined leader and that's what we get from him," Ramoreboli said to the Siya crew.
"As for not playing at club level, let's be honest, any coach who has 30 players has a choice of who he picks on the day to play. Some will have a consistent line-up and that consistent line-up is based on who he wants more. With TT, the coach might have his own reasons why he does not play him, which is really not our problem. We can't blame the coach for not playing TT. He has his own reasons."
Botswana played out to a 1-1 draw with Mauritania on home soil over the weekend and face Egypt in their final qualifier on Tuesday.
By Tshepang Mailwane
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