The closest the Botswana international has come to team selection at Amakhosi is making it to the bench in the 4-0 win against SuperSport United in the Carling Knockout this past weekend.
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Insiders at the club have now indicated that despite performing well for his country, Ditlhokwe is still considered the fourth-choice central defender at Chiefs, behind Inacio Miguel, Rushwin Dortley, and Given Msimango.
Other defenders, like Zitha Kwinika, fall further down the list. The insider noted that this is believed to be why Ditlhokwe is still looking at a possible move away from Amakhosi in January, whether on loan or permanently, so that he can gain regular game time to stay fit for Botswana, particularly with his hopes of participating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
"You see the situation that TT (Ditlhokwe) finds himself in is very tough for him as a player. The coach has made it clear that Rushwin Dortley and Inacio Miguel are his preferred partners in the central defence with Given Msimango as the next option. It's not like he is completely out but it's tough for him to break in. He was supposed to play against SuperSport United over the weekend because Dortley had a knock from the national team but then he recovered in time for the game and that's why he was on the bench in case something happens to Dortley. But in terms of starting, it will be very hard for him this season," the Siya source stated.
A second insider stated that it's for this reason that his representatives are considering at least a loan move in January for him to be active, as he is the captain for his national team.
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"For now they are looking at a loan move. There was interest from teams in the last off season but nothing materialised but now they are working hard so that he can go play regularly somewhere. It could start as a loan move, then to look at things at the end of the season as he still has two years on his contract with Chiefs. But as noted, it will be hard for him to play regularly this season at Chiefs and that's not good for him as he always does well when he represents his country," the second source told Soccer Laduma.
Last season, the 26-year-old was affected by a long-term injury but represented Chiefs regularly when available. This season, he hasn't played a game so far, whether in the league or cup competitions.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for comment, but there was no response at the time of preparing this story. While Ditlhokwe continues to excel for the Botswana national team, his struggle for game time at Chiefs remains a concern. A potential loan move in January could provide the regular playing time he needs to maintain his form and fitness for international duties.
