Botswana coach Morena Ramoreboli is impressed with the professional discipline shown by his captain Thatayaone Ditlhokwe despite his game-time struggles at Kaizer Chiefs.
Despite being a key player for Batswana, Ditlhokwe is behind Inacio Miguel and Rushwin Dortley in the pecking order at the Glamour Boys.
The 26-year-old has helped the Zebras collect six points in the four 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. His team has managed to register two wins and as many losses in Group C which has Egypt, who have already qualified, Cape Verde, and Mauritania.
Ditlhokwe is working hard to win his place back at Chiefs – Ramoreboli
“Thatayaone Ditlhokwe is the captain of the national team who is contributing positively every time he’s in camp,” Ramoreboli told Far Post.
“As much as football is a game of competition, there is no player who will put himself on the field. Ditlhokwe will not select himself to be in the team, it’s the responsibility of the coaches. If this does happen because of other reasons, we should respect the fact that maybe he’s not good enough at how the coach wants to play. We shouldn’t make the mistake of starting to judge the player that he’s not a good player.
“This is an individual who is very professional and working hard. He understands that ‘I might not get an opportunity to play at club level, but I will keep fighting.'”
What is Ditlhokwe's future in Botswana?
Ramoreboli, who took over as the Zebras coach from Didier Gomes Da Rosa, insists he can't stop selecting the center-back since he is delivering for his team.
“If Ditlhokwe will be selected to come play in the country, and does not give enough, I don’t think there would be a need for us to keep on calling him,” he continued.
“But Ditlhokwe comes in, remains humble, and remains focused. That’s one part that’s making things easier for us.”
