Tlhone says he’s ready for a fight

Bokang Tlhone (above) says he is relishing the competition for places at Bidvest Wits as the Clever Boys prepare for the defence of their Absa Premiership title.

Wits have strengthened their squad in most departments ahead of the new season, including the acquisition of left-sided defender Tlhone, who signed a pre-contract with them in January while still at Free State Stars.

It might be tough for Tlhone to walk straight into the Wits starting line-up, with Bafana Bafana leftback Sifiso Hlanti in the Clever Boys ranks, but this does not seem to faze the 26-year-old.

“I am grateful because I am learning,” he said.

“Our club has a lot of experienced players, players I learn from every day, Hlanti is even learning from me and I am learning from him, it is just competition … to have that competition is great, I am excited and ready for the challenge.”

Wits coach Gavin Hunt also said that Tlhone could be used in the centre of defence at times this campaign, as part of a back three.

“I think whenever we sign a player we try and make sure they have versatility … Tlhone is not only a good leftback in a back four, he can play in a back three and that is what I liked about him when I first saw him,” said Hunt.

Coming from Stars, Tlhone might also have a few tips for Wits on how to beat Ea Lla Koto when they next visit a side that has become a bogey side for them, especially in the Free State.

“We had a joke the other day, Sifiso (Hlanti) said that I probably took an old Wits shirt and dipped it in the food there, that is why we (Stars) always beat them!” joked Tlhone.

“Obviously, yes, there are a few things I can share with the guys … there are things that they (Stars) do that will never change, the physicality and the fight.”