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
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.”
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