Monare: Orlando Pirates sign reported Kaizer Chiefs target

Orlando Pirates have announced the signing of former Bidvest Wits midfielder Thabang Monare.

The experienced midfield maestro became a free agent after he parted ways with Wits with the club having sold its Premier Soccer League (PSL) status to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.

Monare has been heavily linked with Pirates' arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs since the 2018/19 season after he played a key role for Wits as they finished third on the PSL standings.

However, the Buccaneers have now snapped up Monare as they prepare for the new 2020/21 season.

"Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to confirm the signing of Thabang Monare as a free agent," a club statement read.

"The former Jomo Cosmos and Bidvest Wits midfielder joins the Buccaneers on a two-year deal."

"The 31-year-old who spent four seasons at the Clever Boys, comes in to bolster the midfield where the Buccaneers will be contesting in a compressed 2020/21 season which includes the CAF Confederations Cup."

Monare is pleased to have joined the Soweto giants and he is hoping to make a meaningful contribution at Pirates, who are expected to challenge for the PSL title in the new term.

“I am happy to have signed with the Club,” said Monare.

“I hope, like I have done in my entire career, I can make a meaningful contribution during my time here.

"I think this is a team that suits my style of play and that can only benefit me and the team for the season ahead.” 

Pirates are Monare's third professional club having started his career at Jomo Cosmos in 2012 and he helped the team secure promotion to the PSL from the National First Division (NFD) in 2015.

His exploits in the PSL caught the eye of Wits and the club signed him from Cosmos ahead of the 2016/17 campaign. 

The Mpumalanga-born player established himself as one of the top central midfielders in the country during his time with the Clever Boys.

Monare was a regular for the now-defunct Wits as they clinched the league and cup (MTN8) double in his debut season with the team. 

He also helped the Clever Boys clinched the 2017 Telkom Knockout Cup.