Botswana’s national football team’s interim coach, Morena Ramoreboli, has justified his selection of Kaizer Chiefs star Thatayaone Ditlhokwe for the national team.
The 26-year-old, who captains The Zebras, has only played just one match for Amakhosi this season. His coach though believes the defender adds something to the tea,
“Thatayaone Ditlhokwe is the captain of the national team who is contributing positively every time he’s in camp,” Ramoreboli told FARPost.
Kaizer Chiefs defender captains Botswana despite lack of game time
“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 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’.
Ramoreboli said that Ditlhokwe’s selection for the national team was based on his valuable contributions. The Kaizer Chiefs defender featured on Friday as Botswana were held to a 1-1 draw by Mauritania.
“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,” Ramoreboli added.
“But Ditlhokwe comes in, remains humble, and remains focused. That’s one part that’s making things easier for us.”
Botswana needs a win or draw to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations. They play Egypt in their final qualifier match on Tuesday.
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