Amakhosi approach their final fixture of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season against Cape Town Spurs in the Mother City on Saturday, knowing that only victory will give them a chance of a Top 8 finish.
Even then, they will need to equal or better AmaZulu’s result, as Chiefs enjoy a slender one goal advantage in goal difference between the two teams level on 36 points.
Reflecting on the campaign defender, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe believes that despite some disappointments along the way, there are many good things they can take into next season.
“As we come to the end of the season, in my opinion it hasn’t gone as well as had hoped,” he tells www.kaizerchiefs.com, “but with each and every challenge that one faces, there are always lessons to be learnt and experience to be gained. So, it is important to focus on the positives and work on carrying them forward.”
The elegant centreback has had his own personal setbacks in his first season as a Glamour Boy. However, having come through the tribulations to regain full fitness, he only wants to look ahead to the future.
“I was out for almost six months, but that’s football, you know. Injuries are part of the game,” he says, philosophically, “Being unable to play has been difficult but now I am grateful to have recovered fully.”
TT, as the captain of the Botswana national team is affectionately known, is quick to point out that there is still one potentially very tricky assignment remaining this season, which is beat Cape Town Spurs in emphatic fashion.
“This last game is still very important and we are preparing very seriously in order to solidify our spot in the Top 8. They may already be relegated but that can make them dangerous because they have nothing to lose, and we have a lot to lose. Therefore, we are preparing to be at our best,” he says, adding, “There is a chance of the other teams on the same points overtaking us, which is why we are focused first and foremost on winning against Spurs, and hopefully scoring a few goals.”
The Amakhosi Faithful have had their patience tested over the course of the season, yet have continued to back the team no matter what, and Ditlhokwe assures the fanbase that every player, to a man, is determined to close the campaign out on a high note and create a sense of anticipation for better things to come next season.
“Every player is fully motivated to get the result we need, especially for our supporters, who have been behind us all the way, even when we haven’t done so well. So, we really want to end the season well and give them something to look forward to next season,” he concludes.
Tickets for the Glamour Boys’ final DStv Premiership match of this season – against The Urban Warriors at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town – are on sale through TicketPro online at www.ticketpros.co.za or Spar and Boxer Supermarkets, as well as Sasol and Shell filling stations, including Postnet outlets throughout the country at R100 per ticket.
