Thatayaone Ditlhokwe could be bracing for the most difficult phase of his career after his proposed loan move failed to materialise before the close of the transfer window.
Ditlhokwe has found himself moving down the pecking order at Chiefs following all the signings that have been made by the club during the most recent transfer window.
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Chiefs have gone all out to strengthen at the back with Rushwin Dortley, Inacio Miguel, Bradley Cross and Bongani Sam signed for the two positions that Ditlhokwe can play – left central defence and left-back.
Dortley, Miguel and Cross can all play at left central defence, while Dortley and Cross can also play at left-back along with Sam.
Injured Mozambican defender Edmilson Dove also plays in those positions ,just like rising defender Aiden McCarthy.
Ditlhokwe is only into his second season at Chiefs but has now found himself faced with having to start from the bottom in winning over Nasreddine Nabi.
A proposal for the Botswana international to move out on loan – possibly to Magesi FC after another discussion relating to Chippa United collapsed – was tabled but came to nothing.
The 26-year-old insisted on staying on and fighting for his place and will now be amongst the five foreign players registered for this season along with Fiacre Ntwari (Rwanda), Miguel (Angola), Christian Saile Basomboli (DR Congo) and Edson Castillo (Venezuela).
Further evaluations will be made when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.
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Just like Given Msimango, Bruce Bvuma, Brandon Petersen, Zitha Kwinika and Dillan Solomons – Ditlhokwe has found himself taking blame and being sacrificed for the mess that happened last season when the club leaked goals.
He wasn't considered for the league opener against Marumo Gallants as he was serving suspension after picking up his fourth yellow card in the last game of the 2023/24 campaign.
Ditlhokwe played 21 games last season.