Monyane counts on his versatility to secure Olympic spot

As he’s been used sparingly at club level this term, Orlando Pirates utility full-back Thabiso Monyane is banking on his versatility to help him earn a slot in the SA quad going to the Olympics.

Monyane was part of the SA Under-23 squad that recently had a training camp in Durban, playing two warm-up games against Premiership sides Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United last Thursday and Sunday respectively.

The Olympic side beat Abafana Bes’thende, before managing another win against the Team of Choice, where Monyane scored the solitary winning strike.

The 20-year-old Pirates starlet began his professional career as a striker before then Buccaneers coach Milutin "Micho" Sredojevic converted him to right-back on the spot after promoting him in 2019.

This season, Monyane has played just four league games, with natural midfielders Siphesihle Ndlovu and Wayde Jooste preferred ahead of him at right-back under mentorship of Josef Zinnbauer.

“I have adjusted quite well to playing as a defender. I have learnt how to operate as a modern full-back. My versatility is something I consider a weapon… it is always good to play different positions,’’ Monyane told Sowetan.

“I know what I am capable of as a footballer. I scored the goal [against Arrows], from the back, that should tell that I am effective even as a defender. I definitely believe my versatility will enhance my chances to go to the Olympics. But I know I must balance that with hard work.’’

Monyane, who spearheaded SA’s attack alongside his childhood pal and former Bucs teammate Lyle Foster at the U-20 World Cup in Poland in 2019, is unfazed by his limited game time at the Soweto giants.

“I am not stressing that I am not playing that much this season. I will keep my head high and continue working hard. It’s all about being mental fit and strong… I am that person who always take the positives out of every situation,’’ said Monyane, who started nine of the 18 league matches he featured in last season.