Thabang Monare has cleared the confusion of what happened during the off season after he was released by Orlando Pirates.
Pirates did not renew the contract of Monare at first and decided to part ways with him after his original contract had ended.
This after Monare joined Pirates from now defunct Bidvest Wits ahead of 2020/21 season, to follow Deon Hotto, Thulani Hlatshwayo and Terrence Dzvukamanja, as all joined from Gavin Hunt’s Wits.
But Monare was given a two-year deal then and that contract ended at the end of last season.
The 33-year-old was not part of the Pirates during the-off season but the Soweto Giants changed their minds and recalled Monare back to the side.
“I have always been an Orlando Pirates player. I know there’s a lot that has been happening in the media,” said Monare when asked by the iDiski Times at Studio 88 Store activation with Adidas in Durban on Tuesday.
“There are a lot of social media platforms, there are a lot of people who are given platforms to raise their opinions and to be heard by people. I think that also makes it easy for everyone to fall loose to the script.
“I didn’t really understand that, and I just kept my cool and never reacted to that. I know that I’m ‘Once and Always’ (which is the Orlando Pirates slogan).”
When pressed exactly if his contract was renewed by Pirates as he is part of the team, Monare replied: “Basically yes, it was extended,” said Monare.
However, the new contract signed with Pirates will now expire at the end of the season, iDiski Times understands, having been given a one-year deal with no option to renew.
Monare faces a strong competition in the midfield position following the arrival of Miguel Timm and Philip Ndlondlo from Marumo Gallants.
As Monare was part of the activation and Goodman Mosele with Adidas, it is clear they won’t be part of the game tonight when Pirates visit Golden Arrows at Princess Magogo Stadium (19:30).
Both Timm and Ndlondlo are favourites to start, as they both are ahead of Monare in the pecking order right now.
Monare, since he arrived at Pirates, has won the MTN8, which came in his first season. He has featured in 58 matches for the club but has yet to score.
Story by Robin-Duke Madlala (@duke_robin).
