‘Dumb decision’ – SuperSport CEO on allowing defender to join Kaizer Chiefs

SuperSport United CEO Stanley Matthews says he regrets allowing Thatayaone Ditlhokwe to leave for Kaizer Chiefs.

The 25-year-old Motswana defender joined Amakhosi last season where he played over 20 matches across all competitions. Speaking to  SoccerLaduma, Matthews said he lost Ditlhokwe because he was unable to provide him with a higher wage.

SuperSport CEO admits mistake on Kaizer Chiefs’ Ditlhokwe

“I lost TT [Ditlhokwe], my first ‘dumb’ decision in 25 years. And unfortunately, it was pure numbers ‘dumb’, because I just couldn’t match the numbers that he wanted,” he said.

“But look at what Chiefs have done now, they’ve gone and bought Dortley to play right where TT plays,” he said.

Despite losing quality players to big teams, SuperSport United still finished ahead of Kaizer Chiefs last season. Matthews said the club has a tight budget which makes it tough for them to bring in top players

“So, life is as interesting for players when they make choices, and they do things. I have to be true to my football club, I have to be true to my board, I have to be true to my budget, I have to be true to my head coach even when I disagree.

“I disagree with Gavin every day. There’s no person on earth that I fight with more than Gavin. Gavin has saved my marriage because I never fight with my wife,” Matthews concluded.

Earlier this year, SuperSport United rejected former Kaizer Chiefs playmaker Khama Billiat. Due to the club’s finances, Hunt said there was no way they could afford to bring in the Zimbabwean attacker.

How good with Ditlhokwe get this season?

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