Kaizer Chiefs recently made an unexpected decision to part ways with one of their defenders, leaving many fans surprised.
Last week, the club confirmed the departure of Botswana international defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe to Libyan giants Al-Ittihad. This move caught Chiefs supporters off guard, especially considering Ditlhokwe had been gaining momentum in his performances this season. At the beginning of the campaign, Ditlhokwe appeared to be out of the plans of new coach Nasreddine Nabi. One of the first signings Nabi made was left centre-back Rushwin Dortley, which seemed to indicate that Ditlhokwe’s role at the club was uncertain, following an injury-plagued first season.
Despite initial doubts about his future at Chiefs, Ditlhokwe began to find form in the new year, making notable contributions in matches against Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch FC, and AmaZulu—although often played out of his preferred left-centre-back position. Just when it seemed he had cemented his place in the team, the news of his transfer to Al-Ittihad broke.
According to The Citizen, Ditlhokwe’s decision to leave was driven by dissatisfaction with his situation at Chiefs. A source close to the player revealed that Ditlhokwe felt overlooked by the coaching staff and was frustrated by not being a regular starter, particularly in his favored position. His unhappiness led to his departure, with the source adding that this move made sense for all parties involved, especially with Ditlhokwe being a key player for Botswana ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations later this year.