Zebras captain Thatayaone Ditlhokwe has broken his silence over his withdrawal from the national team camp. In an official statement, he says an injury he is managing forced him to ask to be excused from the upcoming international window. Ditlhokwe said the decision had nothing to do with a lack of commitment to Botswana. He insists that he remains focused on recovering from the injury and returning to represent both his club and country.
The national team captain said the circumstances surrounding his injury had already been communicated to the technical team. The development comes after his absence from the upcoming Zebras call-up sparked what he described as “misinformation and differing interpretations” ahead of Botswana’s important qualifying matches.
“Although I have played for my club, Al Wendat SC, while managing the same injury, I requested to be excused from the upcoming national team camp so that I could use the FIFA international window to focus on my recovery,” Ditlhokwe said.
He added that his request had been communicated to the national team coach and was understood.
The defender also directly addressed perceptions that his decision could have amounted to arrogance, disrespect or a lack of commitment to the national side.
“This was not an easy decision for me, especially as captain of The Zebras because representing Botswana is something I carry with immense pride, and wearing the national colours has always been a privilege and an honour,” he said.
“I sincerely apologise if my decision has been perceived as arrogance, disrespect or a lack of commitment to the national team. That was never my intention,” he said.
Ditlhokwe stressed that sitting out the national team assignment was not an easy decision, particularly because he carries the responsibility of captaining the Zebras.
“This was not an easy decision for me, especially as captain of The Zebras because representing Botswana is something I carry with immense pride, and wearing the national colours has always been a privilege and an honour,” he said. His statement sought to put the controversy surrounding his absence to rest, with the captain maintaining that his decision was based on circumstances already communicated to the relevant technical officials.
“I am therefore saddened by some of the misinformation and differing interpretations surrounding my absence from the upcoming important qualifying matches,” he said.
Despite missing the matches, Ditlhokwe said he would remain behind his teammates and support them from home. “To my teammates, I wish you nothing but the very best in the upcoming matches. I will be supporting you from home and cheering you on every step of the way,” he said.
He also thanked Batswana for their continued support, understanding and prayers.
Ditlhokwe said he was working closely with his club’s medical team as he concentrates on his recovery.
“I remain focused on my recovery so that I can return stronger and continue representing my club and country to the best of my ability,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the national team and Botswana.
“Nothing compares to the pride and honour I feel when representing my country. It will always be a privilege to serve my nation and to carry the responsibility of leading this generation of players,” he said.
