Orlando Pirates open talks for star midfielder?

Orlando Pirates are expected to open talks for one of the influential midfielders in the team as preparations for next season are underway.

For some time, Pirates have had several players in the current squad with their futures appearing to be in doubt and Thabang Monare had been one of them.

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Earlier in the season, Monare had been in and out of the matchday squads at Bucs and indications had been that he could be allowed to move on at the end of his contract in June.

However, as the season progressed, the veteran midfielder managed to prove his worth in the team once more and was rewarded with regular game time in coach Jose Riveiro’s line-ups.

In Bucs’ last eight league games of the season, the central midfielder featured in seven, after recovering from a thigh injury that affected his progress earlier.

However, he was a notable absentee as the Buccaneers defeated AmaZulu 4-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium as they ended the season on a high on the weekend.

Informants have told the Siya crew that an offer is being prepared by the Soweto giants to possibly retain the services of the 33-year-old.

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“Pirates are keen to offer Thabang Monare a new contract. His contribution in the team in the latter stages of the season hasn’t gone unnoticed and the management feels that he deserves a reward. The club is set to open talks about the new deal,” said the source.

The Siya crew understands that a potential one-year deal plus an option could be on the cards for Dash, as Monare is known in football circles.