Orlando Pirates Thabang Monare

Outgoing Orlando Pirates midfielder Thabang Monare could make a shock return to the club. Photo: @orlandopirates/Twitter

Pirates could lose star midfielder… possibly to Chiefs – report

There is said to be interest from both Kaizer Chiefs and Royal AM if Orlando Pirates midfielder Thabang Monare doesn’t extend his contract.

Orlando Pirates Thabang Monare

Outgoing Orlando Pirates midfielder Thabang Monare could make a shock return to the club. Photo: @orlandopirates/Twitter

Orlando Pirates midfielder Thabang Monare was reportedly set to have contract talks with Pirates when he returned from Bafana Bafana duty earlier this year. Monare’s contract at the Buccaneers is scheduled to expire in June 2022, having joined the Soweto giants from Bidvest Wits in October 2020, but there has still been no confirmation over whether he will stay with the Buccaneers.

It’s now reported by KickOff.com that several clubs are keeping a close eye on his contract situation, with Chiefs and Royal AM said to have made initial inquiries on his possible availability.

READ | SURPRISE COACH OFFERED TO ORLANDO PIRATES – REPORT

Previously, Pirates beat out Chiefs to secure the 32-year-old’s signature, but with contract negotiations still not complete, he could also have options at AmaZulu or even Sundowns if the bosses at the Buccaneers fail to extend his stay.

“Monare is still yet to extend with Orlando Pirates. It’s a huge concern with just one month remaining on his current deal at Pirates,” the source revealed to KickOff.

“There are three clubs showing huge interest in signing him being Kaizer Chiefs, Royal AM and AmaZulu. Remaining at Pirates is believed to be his first preference, but the club is delaying the offer of a new contract.”

Several weeks ago, according to a Kickoff source, Orlando Pirates wanted to meet with Monare for talks over a contract extension.

PIRATES’ THABANG MONARE WAS NOT BELIEVED TO BE PANICKING OVER SLOW CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

“It’s worrying but the player is not panicking because the club has shown interest to extend his contract,” the source said in late March.

“It’s just a matter of him returning back next week so that they open talks and try to finalise a deal very soon.”

READ | BENNI MCCARTHY REVEALS ULTIMATE GOAL: WHY I WANT TO COACH IN EUROPE!