Two released Pirates stars tipped for Kaizer Chiefs switch

Paseka Mako. Photo credit: Orlando Pirates

Speculation is mounting that two recently released Orlando Pirates stars, Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako, are set for a sensational switch to Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

Former Pirates wing-back Monyane is reportedly on the verge of penning a deal with Chiefs as his contract at the Buccaneers is expiring on 30 June, 2025. This development comes as his former teammate, Mako, is also understood to be in advanced talks with Amakhosi, potentially seeing two high-profile players cross the Soweto divide.

The 25-year-old Monyane is embarking on a new chapter after a remarkable 13-year journey with Pirates, where he rose through the development structures. While initial reports indicated Chiefs had been offered the versatile defender, it's now widely reported that an agreement in principle has been reached between Monyane and the Glamour Boys. His representatives reportedly offered him to Chiefs upon realising a new deal with Pirates was improbable.

Amakhosi are actively in the market for a right-back, and with coach Nasreddine Nabi's preferred option, Thabang Matuludi, seemingly unavailable due to a lengthy contract, Monyane is emerging as a viable alternative. Last season, Chiefs primarily relied on Reeve Frosler and Dillon Solomons in that position.

Pirates officially parted ways with both Monyane and Mako last Friday, concluding their successful spells with the club, which saw them secure multiple trophies, including the Nedbank Cup and MTN8 titles.

Mako, after seven years with the Buccaneers, opted to leave following protracted contract discussions that failed to yield an agreement. Reports indicate the experienced defender has since entered serious negotiations with Amakhosi ahead of the upcoming season.

Chiefs' pursuit of a new left-back has proven challenging. They initially targeted Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch FC, but the Cape Winelands club was unwilling to sell. This led them to shift focus to AmaZulu's Riaan Hanamub, only for that potential transfer to be quickly shut down when Usuthu offered the Namibian international an improved contract.

This difficult search now positions Mako as a highly viable alternative. If the finer details can be finalised to everyone's satisfaction, Mako would join the Naturena side as a free agent, potentially providing a crucial solution for their left-back needs.