Thabiso Monyane reflects on being overlooked in right-back spot

Orlando Pirates full-back Thabiso Monyane has reflected on being overlooked in the right-back spot by coach Jose Riveiro in recent games in the PSL.

With other right-backs Bandile Shandu out injured and Craig Martin unavailable for selection, Riveiro opted to field Paseka Mako a natural right-back on the position instead of Monyane.

The tactic and strategy worked to the Soweto giants’ advantage in terms of grinding the results as they never lost a match during that time.

The Bucs faithful on the other hand were however not happy with the Spaniard’s decision calling for Monyane to play.

THABISO MONYANE OPENS UP ON BEING OVERLOOKED AT RIGHT-BACK

According to Monyane, he wasn’t fazed as the believes the decision was based on the coach’s tactics. All he had to do on his side was to keep on working hard to earn back his place.

“I wasn’t fazed because football is not an individual sport, unfortunately it’s a team sport. It must be earned not given,” said Monyane.

“If the team is prevailing, the tactics demand certain things.

“All you have to do is to support your teammates and wish them the best. That’s what I did, it shows that in this team we not united by saying, but by showing it, supporting one another.

“The competition is high, that’s what i can tell you.”

With hard work and patience, the Pirates academy graduated finally started getting some game time and minutes.

The 23-year-old has featured in Pirates’ last six matches in all competitions. That’s five in the league and one in the Nedbank Cup semi-final against arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

Monyane is in line to feature when the Sea Robbers take on Sekhukhune United in the Nedbank Cup final.

The Ghost will be eyeing their second silverware of the season after clinching the MTN8 earlier in the season.

Kickoff at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday 27 May is at 6pm.

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