Thatayaone Ditlhokwe: Kaizer Chiefs confirm exit of defender to Al-Ittihad

Photo Credit - Kaizer Chiefs.

Kaizer Chiefs have announced that defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe has left the South African club to sign for Libyan outfit Al-Ittihad.

In a statement on the club's official website, Amakhosi admitted it was not an easy decision to let Ditlhokwe, who captains the Botswana national team, and joined them at the start of the 2023-24 season from SuperSport United, to exit the club.

“Kaizer Chiefs have reached an agreement with Libyan club, Al-Ittihad for the transfer of defender, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe,” read a statement from the club. “Ditlhokwe, who hails from Botswana and serves as the captain of his national team, Dipitse (The Zebras), joined Kaizer Chiefs at the start of the 2023-24 season from SuperSport United.

“During his 18-month tenure with Amakhosi, he made 32 appearances across all competitions, primarily playing as a left-sided centre-back and, more recently, as a left-back in coach Nasreddine Nabi’s team.

“Affectionately known as ‘TT’, the 26-year-old played his final match for Amakhosi last Friday in a 1-0 win over Stellenbosch in Cape Town. He is set to depart this weekend for Libya’s capital, Tripoli, where he will meet his new teammates and coaches.”

Speaking on his departure, Chiefs Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr said: “It was not an easy decision for us when Al-Ittihad approached us regarding TT. “We engaged the player and during our discussions, he expressed his desire to move to Libya for further experience and opportunities.

“As a Club, we didn’t want to impede his progress, and we appreciate his professionalism and discipline. Although we will miss him, we believe this is a fantastic opportunity for him, and we would like to thank him for his dedicated service to Chiefs and wish him the best of luck in his new venture.”