Kaizer Chiefs star to struggle for game-time under Nabi
After making 21 appearances for Kaizer Chiefs in his first season, Ditlhokwe is bracing himself for a grueling second season.
Thatayaone Ditlhokwe will remain at Kaizer Chiefs this season, however he’s set to enjoy limited game-time.
According to insiders at Naturena, Nabi has already told management that the Botswana international is not part of his plans.
The club’s hierarchy managed to secure the services of Rushwin Dortley and Bradley Cross however they chose to keep Ditlhokwe as back-up player for this season.
Where does he rank in Nabi’s pecking order? Let’s take a look at the details below.
Ditlhokwe to enjoy limited game-time at Kaizer Chiefs?
“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,” a Soccer Laduma report read.
“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.”
There’s been a lot of talk about Kaizer Chiefs making a serious move for Cape Town Spurs’ star Asanele Velebayi. But did they actually put in a bid, or was it just another rumour?
The Glamour Boys made a host of managerial and player changes heading into the new season after enduring a torrid 2023/24 campaign.
The Motaungs took the bold step of hiring one of the biggest coaching names on the continent in Nasreddine Nabi, along with his own technical team.
The club also made some big new signings however, Asnele Velebayi to Kaizer Chiefs was a move that ultimately hogged the headlines.
Chiefs were unable to land the rising star, with many fans left questioning whether they actually attempted to sign him or not.
Did Chiefs table an offer for Velebayi?
The short answer is indeed yes! Cape Town Spurs boss Alexi Efstathiou has confirmed that Kaizer Chiefs tabled an offer for Velebayi.
“There was interest from three different clubs locally and there was interest from overseas as well but the overseas ones I think were more difficult and more speculative than the local ones.” Efstathiou told iDiski Times.
“I would say mostly verbal, if you want to call it a serious offer, the one that came in writing from Kaizer Chiefs probably a month ago which we declined as it was substantially lower than the asking price.”
Kaizer Chiefs gear up for big month of fixtures
Nabi’s side next face AmaZulu FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday 25 September.
Kaizer Chiefs then host arch rivals Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium three days later.
The Amakhosi then go on a long break before tackling SuperSport United on 26 October. Four days later, Nabi’s side travel to the Peter Mokaba Stadium to face the newly-promoted Magesi FC.
Should Ditlhokwe have gone out on loan?
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