Versatile defenders don’t grow on trees and Kaizer Chiefs are about to learn that the hard way. Are they selling at the right time?
Ditlhokwe sent packing to Libya
Recently back in favour under Nasreddine Nabi, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe’s surprise and abrupt exit to Al Ittihad in Libya begs a few questions about the club’s decision-making in the transfer market. R15.9 million is decent money, but the Glamour Boys should be retaining players of his talent and versatility.
Kaizer Chiefs are kissing many frogs but when will they find their prince?
Since Stuart Baxter won Amakhosi’s last piece of silverware in 2015, the club has made 11 separate appointments. Steve Komphela, Patrick Mabedi, Giovanni Solinas, Ernst Middendorp, Gavin Hunt, Arthur Zwane, a return for Baxter, a return for Zwane, Molefi Ntseki, Cavin Johnson and now Nasreddine Nabi have all been at the helm. None have delivered league title success to the demanding fans at Naturena.
Nabi’s numbers aren’t great so far
Well, not great. Sure, the Glamour Boys have booked a place in the Nedbank Cup quarters and they’re still in the hunt to win that trophy. Failure to do so, however, would mean 10 years without silverware. That’s not Nabi’s fault at all, but have they improved under the Tunisian tactician? They are 17 points adrift of the leaders already after 17 matches and only three clean sheets in the Betway Premiership to show for their efforts. Nabi’s major signings in his first window were defensive players so surely this tally of shutouts should be higher? Also, why would the club let go of a versatile, talented performer like Thatayaone Ditlhokwe whose best years are still ahead of him? Chiefs need leaders, and they’ve just sold one for a relatively paltry sum of money. Maybe he was desperate to leave.
SuperSport and Gavin Hunt pose the next challenge for Kaizer Chiefs
Five players are currently on the treatment table which you can see listed below. Yusuf Maart sat out Chiefs’ win over Chippa with suspension but he will be back in action against SuperSport on Tuesday night. Kickoff is at 19:30. A massive test against Sundowns also awaits on 01 March.
- Sibongiseni Mthethwa
- Wandile Duba
- Ashley Du Preez
- Edmilson Dove
- Dillan Solomons
Will Chiefs live to regret selling Ditlhokwe approaching his peak years?
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