Chiefs defender moves to Libya

football14 February 2025 17:03| © Mzansi Football
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Botswana international Thatayaone Ditlhokwe has signed for Libyan club Al Ittihad from Kaizer Chiefs in a surprise move announced on Friday.

It comes after the defender played a starring role for Chiefs at left back in the recent derby against Orlando Pirates plus the 1-0 win over Stellenbosch in their last outing.

Kaizer Chiefs said in a statement that the club had reached an agreement with Al-Ittihad for the transfer of defender.

Ditlhokwe, who 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.

“It was not an easy decision for us when Al-Ittihad approached us regarding TT,” says Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr.

“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.”

Al Ittihad are the biggest club in Libya, based in the capital Tripoli and coached by Spaniard Juan Carlos Garrido.