In the second of two major announcements made last week, Chiefs confirmed the signing of a pre-contract with SuperSport United to acquire left-sided central defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe.
The highly regarded international who captains Botswana’s national team has signed a four-year contract and will arrive in Naturena in July 2023 to begin his new life.
However, if Chiefs are willing to pay a cost, it was reported that he could arrive in the near future. However, this is contingent on both teams agreeing to his early release.
In light of this, renowned SABC Sport journalist Mazola Molefe, who initially broke the news of this shocking action, later stated that SuperSport executives were annoyed by Chiefs’ unusual and “premature” declaration of a pre-contract agreement.
Supposedly, this could put an end to any further discussions over Ditlhokwe’s early release; he may not travel to Naturena until later this year.
This appears to be the most likely consequence, and Gavin Hunt has expressed his feelings over losing a player of this caliber.
“Obviously, I’m disappointed that ‘TT’ is departing, as this should never occur. I wasn’t present, just so you know. “But I know what should have happened and didn’t – you are losing a 24-year-old player who won’t be at his best until he is 30, because he is a central defender,” stated Hunt in his post-match press conference. “They (central defenders) improve as they age. Since I’ve been here, he has made tremendous strides in this season’s first round.
Christian Saile Basomboli, a 22-year-old left-footed striker from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has signed a 3.5-year contract with the Glamour Boys. However, he is not anticipated to begin full training with his new Chiefs teammates until this week, and it is believed that his work permits must also be resolved before he can play.
This indicates that Basomboli’s highly anticipated Chiefs debut could be delayed for at least a few weeks.
However, the youngster’s qualities and what he brings with his left-footed skills will undoubtedly suffice to delight Amakhosi fans.
»Coach of SuperSport laments losing Ditlhokwe to the Chiefs«