New Kaizer Chiefs defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe says he’s ready for the pressure that’s associated with donning the famous black and gold jersey.
Ditlhokwe, 24, signed a pre-contract with Chiefs after his deal ran into the final six months with SuperSport United – where he established himself as one of the leading defenders in the league over the past three years.
The towering left-footed defender has been an ever-present figure in the Matsatsansa defence, racking up 87 appearances and scoring three goals and his partnership alongside former Bafana Bafana captain Thulani Hlatshwayo played a key role in them being the third-best defence in the league behind Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns this season.
But a new challenge awaits at a Chiefs’ defence that shipped 33 goals in 30 league games this past season and pressures he may not have been exposed to before in South Africa with one of the most demanding fan bases on the continent.
“One thing I can tell, I’m a captain of my national team, I’m a player for my national team, I’ve captained my national team at the age of 21, so I don’t think there’s any pressure that can come more than what I’ve already passed through,” Ditlhokwe said when asked if he’s ready for the Soweto giants next season.
“That is one thing you must consider, it’s a normal challenge that every player must face, for you to grow you must have challenges, there’s no player that can grow without challenges, you need to be tested, so it’s a big test I know.
“But at the end of the day, the same way I’ve managed [until now] is the same way I have will manage.”
With players known to be frozen out in the PSL after signing pre-contracts with rival clubs, Ditlhokwe, surprisingly remained a key figure in the squad under head coach Gavin Hunt, and was lauded within the club for his professionalism as Hunt and CEO Stan Matthews stated on the evening that he departs with their blessing and best wishes for the future.
“At the end of the day you must remain professional irrespective of what’s in front of you, as they say you must never burn your bridges, you never know what life holds for you in the future,” the Zebras captain said.
“The most important thing, which I took into consideration, I’m still a SuperSport player, I still have a running contract, which I must honour and finish until the end, so that when I leave, I leave with peace – not burning bridges.”
