Orlando Pirates forward Thabiso Monyane didn’t expect to be in the Buccaneers starting lineup after signing his first professional contract just a few days earlier.

The newly promoted youngster was given his first start in coach Milutin Sredojevic’s team during their emphatic 3-1 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic in their Absa Premiership opener last Saturday.

The Amajita star was a surprise inclusion when Pirates announced the jersey numbers of all their players for the 2019-20 season – and he was handed jersey No 34 after being promoted from the development team.

The 19-year-old, who was also recently part of the South African U20 team that competed in the Fifa U20 World Cup, described his debut as a ‘dream come true’.

With right back Mthokozisi Dube out injured, the technical team placed their faith squarely on the shoulders of the 19-year-old by thrusting him into the starting lineup, and he didn’t disappoint.

‘It was a surreal experience,’ Monyane told his club’s official website.

‘I mean, who would have expected that after signing my professional contract just a few days earlier, that I would be in the starting lineup of the first team in an official match. This is what dreams are made of. I am thankful for the opportunity – thankful to the technical team for having faith in me, and to my teammates who have been truly amazing and very supportive.

‘I must also say a big thank you to our supporters who made me feel comfortable. It might not have shown but I was very nervous in the game, but all their cheering and support made a world of a difference to calm me down.’

Monyane also touched on his relationship with Lyle Foster, who recently left the Soweto giants for French giants AS Monaco, while aiming to become one more success story to come out of the Pirates Academy production line.

‘Lyle and I go a long way back. I don’t even consider him a teammate or a friend, but more like a brother. I used to stay with the Fosters when I came to the club – they were very good to me and I was treated like another member of the family. I will always remain thankful for all they have done for me. I still keep in contact with Lyle, he has done very well for himself and I hope he continues to fly that South African flag high all the way in France,’ he added.

‘Look, I am fully aware of the situation that I find myself in and the big shoes that one must fill to play for such a club, but I am first and foremost Thabiso Monyane before I am anything else. What has happened before me and what will follow behind me can only serve as a lesson, but at the end of the day I need to make the best out of this opportunity that has been handed to me. Nobody else can do that for me.

‘I am fortunate to have a very supportive family background. The foundation that my mother and father have set for me has prepared me to face anything that will come my way,’ he concluded.