Monare reacts to Orlando Pirates departure: We were still negotiating

Bafana Bafana midfielder Thabang Monare insists he was not informed by Orlando Pirates they were releasing him and was “surprised” to learn about his departure via media reports.

The linkman’s two-season stint at Pirates came to an end on Monday when he was released with five other players.

He says he was still discussing a new contract with the club and was due to meet the club bosses “soon” but was shocked to realise he was being let go.

“I was also surprised by the reports,” Monare told KickOff.

“No one at Pirates has told me anything about that, what I know is myself and Pirates will meet soon. What I know is we are still negotiating. It doesn't make any sense after having such a good season.”

The 32-year-old was regarded as one of Pirates’ best-performing players last season despite struggling with injuries which limited his Premier Soccer League appearances to 11 starts in 15 appearances.

He also featured in two Nedbank Cup games and seven Caf Confederation Cup matches.

It was a season that also saw him making the Bafana Bafana squad as coach Hugo Broos defended picking him ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns’ Andile Jali.

While Monare maintains he was still talking to Pirates about a new contract, the club insists discussions between them and the player broke down.

“The club can also confirm that contractual discussions with Monare have collapsed as the two parties could not agree on terms,” Pirates said in a statement.

Following his Buccaneers departure, Monare is now being linked with a move to AmaZulu to join his former Pirates teammate Frank Mhango, who recently joined Usuthu.

If that move materialises, AmaZulu would be Monare’s fourth club he has played PSL football with following stints at Jomo Cosmos, Bidvest Wits and Pirates.