Thabiso Monyane’s face lights up when SoccerClub reminds the defender of how far he’s come as an Orlando Pirates youth graduate, writes Mazola Molefe.

In 2019, under then coach Micho Sredojevi and with Rulani Mokwena as assistant, the Orlando Pirates technical team gave then junior international Thabiso Monyane his big break by adding him to the senior team’s squad list for the new season.

The decision came after Monyane had just returned from the Under-23 World Cup in Poland where he had played against South Korea and Portugal, and was an unused substitute in the opener with Argentina.

During that Sredojevi and Mokwena era, the number of appearances in his debut campaign suggested his promotion wasn’t just for optics.

Monyane featured 20 times in all competitions having now been converted to a pacy fullback with marauding runs down the flanks instead of the position coach Thabo Senong preferred for him at the youth World Cup – a striker.

“I am quite happy because I feel like God has set the light upon me to open the doors and help the Diski Challenge [reserve league] graduate realise it’s possible [to play for the first team] regardless of your age,” said Monyane, who was only 19 when Sredojević named him in the starting lineup against Bloemfontein Celtic. The Serbian mentor had so much faith and belief in the youngster that he left him on the pitch for the full 90 minutes.

“I am happy for others now like Relebohile Mofokeng coming in – he is the Young Player of the Season and now he is with Bafana Bafana. And that just shows that it’s possible with discipline, hard work and putting your mind to it.”

Unfortunately, Monyane’s progress stalled when Sredojevi, as well as Mokwena, left the club, with their German counterpart Józef Zinnbauer taking over and opting for a new signing from Highlands Park in Wayde Jooste.

Monyane also struggled with injuries, making only eight appearances throughout the 2020/21 season for the Soweto giants, while he didn’t play at all during the next one.

However, things have picked up again with Jose Riveiro now in charge. He has not only restored belief from the fans with trophies, but Monyane seems settled once again.

“There is progress,” he explained. “I’m just happy that I am able to grow as a player, able to be more mature coming into the games and I am already looking forward to the next season. I have also set targets for myself, like getting back in the Bafana Bafana team.”

The 24-year-old was called up by coach Hugo Broos for the two friendly internationals against Namibia and DR Congo as the Belgian mentor looked to widen the pool before selecting his Africa Cup of Nations squad.

Monyane missed out on the continental competition, but for him, getting to play 90 minutes against Namibia and make his debut was “progress”.

“Even though I might not see it or people might not see it, there is progress – always. That’s what I look forward to in each and every game. One thing that also needs special attention was my injuries, for sure. This past season was freer for me, I was able to get more games under the belt and showed a bit more consistency because I had fewer injuries.”

What is he hoping for ahead of the 2024/25 campaign? “Just to grow from this and give more to the team. There’s healthy competition in the team, we have a brotherhood. If I am not playing, I support each and every one who is playing, including in my position,” explained Monyane.

“That just keeps you on your toes and it is something I feel we need as a team, that can help us achieve more.” Broos is also on the record saying he wants to widen the national team pool following the success of Bafana at the AFCON by winning a bronze medal, and while he doesn’t want to tinker with the side, the coach does acknowledge that some players might have to make way for fresh faces to inject a bit of new- found energy.

Monyane is hoping he is soon considered to be part of the group.

“You know, giving up is never an option. There is so much to play for, the country hasn’t seen the best of me and one thing I know for sure is that I am going to work hard to get that Bafana call-up. I will work towards that and I think the sky is the limit from here on.”