31 Jan 2023

Discipline in and off the field has landed Zebras captain, Thatayaone ‘TT’ Ditlhokwe, a lucrative deal with South African giants, Kaizer Chiefs.

In recent years, it has been difficult for Botswana players to breakthrough in foreign countries, but for TT, his stay at Supersport United where he is currently playing, was home away from home.

Just like the late Terence Mophuting, Itumeleng Duicker, Diphetogo Selolwane and Mogogi Gabonamong, TT is one of the players who has managed to hang on in a foreign land.

South Africa’s veteran journalist, Thomas Kwenaite, said in an interview that the country’s Premier League was a complex beast.

He said it was not just Batswana who failed to make any impression, but a series of other players from Nigeria, Ghana, Swaziland and many other countries could not make an impression.

“Take the case of Mikel John Obi. He was with Ajax Cape Town for six months and could not break into their starting eleven. Perhaps it was the fault of the coach who felt he was still too young. Felix Badenhorst as well failed to crack it in SA but remains a huge star in Swaziland,” he said.

His view was that some could not handle the pressure that came with playing in a highly competitive league.

“Others are perhaps overawed but it is those that believe in their abilities, double their efforts and work extra hard that succeed. Remember Dipsy was a success as was Gobonamong who were not just a special breed but possessed tons of confidence and combined it with hard work to succeed,” he said.

According to Kwenaite, TT was in the latter category, as he did not want to engage in some fancy stuff, but went about his work in a simple but diligent manner and in addition, his lifestyle as well was exemplary like Gino and Dipsy.

Kwenaite said he was confident that TT knew why he was in South Africa, adding that the player was disciplined and did not go to disco partying the night away.

For her part, TT advisor, Tumi Gabonamong, said she was happy for the player, adding that his discipline was ‘out of this world’.

She said she was confident that TT would make it at the Phefeni Boys given that he was a focused player, and as a foreigner, he was cognisant of the fact that hard work and perseverance would take him to greater heights. ENDS