Thabiso Monyane embraces “breath of fresh air” at Kaizer Chiefs

In a surprising move of the current transfer window, Thabiso Monyane has joined Kaizer Chiefs from cross-town rivals Orlando Pirates, a transition he describes as a “breath of fresh air.”

The right-back’s contract with the Sea Robbers expired on June 30, 2024, concluding his five-season tenure with the club in the senior team.

The 25-year-old rose through Pirates’ development side, earning a promotion to the first team in 2019. During his time with the Buccaneers, Monyane made 95 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing three assists. He also contributed to winning several domestic trophies, including three consecutive MTN8 titles under the then-head coach Jose Riveiro.

Monyane’s role in the previous campaign was limited due to a long-term injury. In his absence, Riveiro, who has since moved to Al Ahly, often preferred Deano Van Rooyen and Bandile Shandu at right-back.

Currently on a pre-season tour in the Netherlands with Amakhosi, Monyane expressed his positive reception at the club. “I have been received well by the technical team, the players, and the staff, arriving from the other side of Soweto,” the pacy wing-back stated.

He further elaborated on his experience, saying, “It has been a breath of fresh air, and I am embracing a new culture. I feel that there has been massive progression since we played our first game against Vitesse last Tuesday. Our time in the Netherlands, facing really good opponents, has been a top-top experience.”

Monyane concluded with optimism, emphasising the club’s stature: “So I feel optimistic, we are Kaizer Chiefs, a club with a rich history. We have seen in Holland how big the club is, with so many fans coming out to support us. We don’t want to disappoint them. If Kaizer Chiefs do well, the country does well. We want to put a smile on our supporters’ faces.”