An Orlando Pirates star whose game is growing in leaps and bounds under Jose Riveiro has set his sights on securing a spot in the Bafana Bafana squad in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
At 24, Thabiso Monyane should be a regular starter. However, he has struggled to nail down a starting spot due, partly to injuries and growing competition in his position.
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With Paseka Mako, Bandile Shandu and Monyane all out of action due to injuries last season, the head coach at one stage turned to Fortune Makaringe in the search for a makeshift right back.
In January, that search located Thabiso Lebitso, who had left Chippa United, but like Makaringe, he had played mostly as a winger.
The gamble paid off, nevertheless, and Lebitso went on to become a key play for Pirates. However, his rise raises further questions about Monyane's and Shandu's places in the team.
It's advantage Pirates at the Moses Mabhida stadium and in the race for second place.
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) May 20, 2023
Thabiso Monyane slots one past Jody February.
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Speaking to media at the club's launch of their 2024/25 kit, the modest footballer revealed that he remains determined to find consistency.
"Personally, I don't like individualizing it, but I'd like to, first of all, get to that Bafana spot and actually cement it because competition is tight at the right back position," Monyane said.
"And it's not a tight or hectic one, it's more of a brother [brotherhood]. So, whether I am playing or he is playing or someone else is playing, we support one another.
"So, whenever the chance presents itself, you grab it and move forward. But one of the goals I want to achieve is cementing that bafana spot and actually heading to the World Cup. I'm looking forward to that and really ready to work hard," he added.
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At Bafana, Monyane will face stiff competition in the form of Khuliso Mudau and Nyiko Mobbie. On the positive side, he will have the advantage of age on his side, as the above-mentioned duo will both be 31 by the time the World Cup comes around in 2026.