Kaizer Chiefs head coach Molefi Ntseki has given an update on defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe after he had to be substituted against Cape Town City and also explained his changes to the starting line-up.
Ditlhokwe, 24, is forming Chiefs’ new centre-back pairing along with Given Msimango, and the duo have visivbly improved the club’s backline.
However, he had to be substituted after 66 minute when he was replaced by Njabulo Ngcobo, with Ntseki explaining it was due to a shoulder issue but he hopes the Botswana captain can recover in time for the next game.
“We got a report from the medical team that advised to say he might not finish the second half,” he said when asked by iDiski Times.
“I think early in the first half he was pulled back and then seemingly there was a problem with his shoulder.
“We were advised to take him out because we don’t want to worsen the injury. But I think he is a strong man, the doctors will advise us.
“We still have a full week for the doctors to work on him. Hopefully he will be available for selection, come next week.”
Ntseki also explained that he opted for pace in his starting XI, but the substitutions of Ranga Chivaviro and Christian Saile worked wonders for them.
“I think last week I told the media we are still managing Ranga and we wanted him to come fresh, and that was the plan with our recovery and freshness,” he added.
“With him coming in we need to be aware that the defenders are standing very deep and with him as a physical person we can hold the ball, we can keep the ball, that was plan.
“In the first half we were looking at speed and quality, making the runs behind the defence.
“We were fully aware that Taariq Fielies came in to stabilise the defence and to destabilise the defence we needed to bring in Ranga and also Saile on the other side, and Ashley moved to the left, that was the plan and I think it worked out very well.
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“Ash, even though he was struggling in the end, but he’s got a big heart and he’s got so much believe in himself.”
