Monyane embraces Kaizer Chiefs identity after Soweto switch
Image: Backpagepix
Thabiso Monyane, who recently made the audacious switch from bitter Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates to Kaizer Chiefs, has expressed his immense pride in joining the glamour club known as Amakhosi.
While on tour with Chiefs in The Netherlands for their pre-season training camp, Monyane was overwhelmed by the level of support shown during the side's five matches.
In their final game, Kaizer Chiefs lost 2-1 to Dutch Eredivisie outfit FC Twente on Wednesday evening. After the match, Monyane shared a statement on the club's website that underscored the deep connection between Kaizer Chiefs and the South African public: 'If Kaizer Chiefs do well, the country does well.'
Thabiso Monyane Thabiso Monyane, who recently switched from bitter Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates, has realised just how big a club Chiefs are.
Image: Kaizer Chiefs
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
For years, it has often been said that Chiefs are so influential they help shape the nation's mood.
Reflecting on the defeat, Monyane said: 'We conceded twice in critical phases of the game.'
Though disappointed, he remained optimistic about the team's growth.
'That was tough. We worked so hard to get back into the game, and then we conceded a goal so late.'
With a philosophical tone, he added: 'You never lose, you always learn.'
Chiefs initially struggled against the aggressive, high-pressing approach adopted by FC Twente, who put early pressure on the South African side's defence. However, Amakhosi gradually found their rhythm, with Thabo Cele delivering a strong performance in midfield and Mfundo Vilakazi posing a constant threat on the flank. Vilakazi's lively showing included powerful shots on goal and clear intent to make an impact.
Coach Nasreddine Nabi made a series of strategic substitutions at half-time, keeping only a handful of first-half players on the pitch. The new formation continued to show promise, with Zitha Kwinika solid in defence and George Matlou impressing in midfield.
Despite the result, Monyane's second-half performance stood out, offering a glimpse of a bright future at his new club. 'I have been received well by the technical team, the players and the staff, arriving from the other side of Soweto,' he said.
Monyane described the transition as a 'breath of fresh air' as he begins to embrace a new cultural identity within the Chiefs setup.
Through their five friendlies, Chiefs have steadily built on their strengths. Monyane noted significant progress since their opening fixture against Vitesse last week and described the camp as a 'top-top experience' for the squad.
With the Toyota Cup on the horizon — where Chiefs will host Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko next weekend at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium — excitement continues to build.
'I feel optimistic,' Monyane concluded, emphasising the club's rich history and passionate fanbase. 'We want to put a smile on our supporters' faces.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
36 minutes ago
- TimesLIVE
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou wants to prove doubters wrong
Doubting Thomases abound and Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is ready to knuckle down and prove them wrong. He started his tenure with an impressive MTN8 quarterfinal win over Polokwane City last weekend and his attention has shifted to the start of the Betway Premiership with Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. The Buccaneers go into this season's campaign under pressure to take the fight to Mamelodi Sundowns who are on a record-extending eight successive league championship wins. Though they have been impressive in cup competition over the past two years where they won five, Pirates have not laid their hands on the league trophy since 2012 and fans are desperate. 'When I finished played overseas, the first thing was to come back to Morocco. From there I went on to work in Benin, DRC, Algeria and now I am here in South Africa,' he said. Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is aware there are those who doubt him. WATCH full press conference ➡️➡️➡️ — Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) August 7, 2025 'When you are a coach, you start with small clubs where you must prove your competencies. Sometimes you cannot just get to a big club like Orlando Pirates which is where I am at the moment.' Ouaddou has taken over from Spaniard Jose Riveiro who endeared himself to the hard to please Pirates faithful by helping them to five trophies in three seasons with the club. 'Some people can be doubtful about me, but it is up to me to prove them (wrong). Unfortunately, I cannot change anything (about what they think of me). 'When I stopped as a player to become a coach, my dream was to come back to the continent because I lived for more thana 45 years in France.' Ouaddou said during his playing career with Stade Rennais, Valenciennes FC, AS Nancy in France, Fulham in England, Olympiacos in Greece and Qatar SC, he always had to prove himself. 'It is funny because I started as a professional football player in a small club where I signed a professional contract as an 18 year old. My dream was to move to bigger clubs and to play in the Champions League. You have to be ambitious. 'As an African coach, you have to prove yourself more than anybody else all the time. I was a football player in France and as an African and I had to prove myself ten times than locals to be a regular in the team. 'I played at Fulham and Olympiacos and it is a lot of work. You have to prove yourself many times and it is the same for as a coach. What is funny is that when you come back to the continent, there is still this thing that you have to prove yourself. 'I have no problem with that, I am happy to be at Orlando Pirates and I thank them for giving me this opportunity. Let's see what I am able to do at the end of the season. 'I hope to win the title with the help of my players and prove to everybody that I am able to reach that level.'
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Mzansi, prepare to fly your wiiings as Red Bull Flugtag returns to the V&A Waterfront for the first time since 2012
Red Bull is calling on South Africa's boldest and most imaginative minds to take flight as Red Bull Flugtag prepares to land at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, for the first time since 2012. On Sunday, 2 November 2025, flight crews made up of up to four teammates will launch their handcrafted flying machines off more than 25-foot-high flight deck in the hopes of soaring, gliding into the harbour. Do you believe you have the creativity and courage for this? If so, you can apply now at Red Bull Flugtag entries will close on 31 July 2025, the final team lineup will be revealed in August. Red Bull Flugtag will take place in South Africa for the third time. The last time it touched down was in 2012, when a jaw-dropping 220,000 spectators packed the V&A Waterfront to witness pure flying madness. That year, Team Bulls Eye took the crown with a flight distance of 17.09 meters, impressing not just with distance but with flair and originality. Red Bull athlete and South African aerobatic pilot Patrick Davidson is just as excited as the fans. 'Red Bull Flugtag is unlike anything else — it's aviation, creativity, and chaos all rolled into one,' says Davidson. 'It gives everyday people the chance to test the impossible, entertain the crowd, and maybe even fly. There's a saying in aviation, 'If it looks good, it flies good.' We'll see if that applies on Flugtag day!' Up to 40 teams will be judged on the design of their flying craft, the creativity of their pre-flight skit, and the distance of their flight. Winners will take home exclusive Red Bull experiences, meet-and-greets with Red Bull athletes, and more. The judging panel will be made up of an incredible lineup of local personalities and aviation experts to be announced soon. Globally, Red Bull Flugtag has thrilled fans in over 50 countries, with more than nine million spectators watching gravity-defying attempts to fly. From Greased Lightning (Portland, 2008) to Flight at the Roxbury (Pittsburgh, 2017) and 2023 champions Flite Test (Cincinnati), the event has become a cult favourite. The world record for the longest Flugtag flight? A whopping 258 feet (78.6meters) set by The Chicken Whisperers in Long Beach, California in 2013. Whether you participate in the flight, experience a mishap, or simply want to observe the excitement — Red Bull Flugtag Cape Town 2025 will be a memorable experience. Competing teams from South Africa will be announced later as will the panel of judges and even more surprises! Be sure to follow @RedBullZA on Instagram and TikTok.
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
MTN8 semi-finals venues and dates confirmed
Orlando Pirates will host Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of their semifinal. The Premier Soccer League (PSL) have announced the dates for the first legs of the two-legged MTN8 semi-finals, which will take place next week Saturday, 16 August. Orlando Pirates will host Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of their semifinal at the Orlando Stadium on 16 August (kickoff is at 3pm). ALSO READ: Ouaddou says Pirates have quality to finally topple Sundowns Later that day, Stellenbosch FC will welcome Sekhukhune United at the Danie Craven Stadium for the first leg of their semifinal at 6pm. 'The dates, venues and kick-off times for the MTN8 first-leg semi-finals have been confirmed. 'Ticket information will be announced in due course,' read a statement from the PSL. The semi-final second legs are scheduled for the weekend of 23 and 24 August but League is yet to confirm these dates as well as the venues and times.
