Offers flood in for undecided ‘Ben-10’
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday January 21, 2023 06:00
The left footed attacker has been one of the most sought after players in the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) squad.
Dithebe featured in all the Mares’ games at the tournament and produced some sterling performances as she scored two goals. ‘Ben-10’ is now said to be urging closer to joining the Reds after moves abroad fell through.
Mmegi Sport is also aware that the Mexican Girls’ player has received offers from South America, Europe and Africa and the moves are yet to materialise. Dithebe was invited for trials at South African champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, in January but did not attend the try out while another Pretoria-based side, TUT FC are also said to be keeping a keen eye on the proceedings.
The 20-year-old attacker has also been a transfer target from a club in Mexico while two clubs in Finland had also shown interest. Another club in Egypt was keen on the player while Malabo Kings of Equatorial Guinea had their offer rejected. Mmegi Sport is informed that the offers have been lucrative as clubs offered nothing less than $1,000 (apprx. P12,000) in player salaries.
Contacted for comment, Mexican Girls chairperson and coach, Oaitse Moeti said the club would not stand in the player’s way in search of greener pastures. “We have received a lot of offers for Dithebe. But somehow none of those proposed moves materalised.
The player is aware of those offers and had time to look at them.” “We only rejected the offer from Malabo Kings because we felt the country is not suitable for her. We, together with the family decided that Mexico maybe not be the safest place to live in.
A club in Egypt was not comfortable with us involving the FUB (Footballers Union of Botswana) in the proceedings and they pulled back. As far as October, we have been talking to clubs in Finland. One of them wanted her in March. But there were few logistical issues hence why she has not left yet but the offer is still there. At Mexico Girls, we will not stand in the player’s way either to a local and a club from outside,” Moeti said.
The Mares’ WAFCON adventure presented the local players’ moment to put their talents on auction. Refilwe Tholakele and Kesegofetse Mochawe penned two-year deals with Malabo Kings just after the WAFCON. The duo is now back home after leaving the island state due to ‘unfavorable conditions’.