CAPTAIN MARVEL
GROWING up in Gulubane, Thatayaone ‘TT’ Ditlhokwe made sure he never missed a match whenever the national team was on television.
Absorbed in the action, the budding footballer made himself a promise: one day, he, too, would represent the nation. Although he readily admits he wasn’t the most talented youth, Ditlhokwe never wavered in his dream, steadily improving as he grew older and stronger, eventually joining the biggest club in the land, Township Rollers.
By 2018, at the age of 19, the no-nonsense defender fulfilled his childhood fantasy, called-up to the Zebras squad for the first time in his career. It is a career that has gone from strength to strength ever since.
Less than a month after his 21st birthday, Ditlhokwe was handed the ultimate honour: he was made captain of Botswana.
The tough-tackling centre back’s domestic exploits have been just as impressive, moving south of the border in 2020 to join Supersport United, where he has established himself as a mainstay in the heart of the defence.
The Voice’s
CHRISTINAH MOTLHABANE
caught up with the humble star during a rare recent foray back home…
Thanks for the interview, so what brings you back to Botswana?
I came to Botswana for an event which was happening recently, where I was handing over a playground for children living with disabilities at Tonota Primary School. And we are on international break also for the World Cup because the PSL has stopped.
Our next game will be on the 30th December against Marumo Gallants. I decided to take a break and come to Botswana so I can also train and correct mistakes where I am lacking.
How often do you come
back home?
Once in a year, to visit. My family (eldest sister, grandmother and aunts) reside in Gulubane. I lost my mother in 2010.
Oh gosh, sorry to hear that. As a child, were you completely focused on football or did you have other interests?
Growing up, we used to play football in our streets in Selibe Phikwe and Gulubane. We would challenge other streets, betting with 25 thebe, which was a lot of money back then.
I liked watching football on television, more especially the national team whenever it was playing. I had the desire to one day play for the Zebras. I played at primary school; I was not talented but that did not stop me from following my passion. It is thanks to hard work and determination that I am where I am today.