With Sekhukhune United finalising their preparations for the start of the 2024/25 campaign with the MTN8 clash against Cape Town City on the weekend, a lot will be expected from Thabang Monare and other new signings to hit the ground running.
Monare joined Sekhukhune last month following the expiry of his contract with Orlando Pirates.
Read – Insiders: Why Sekhukhune Coach Could Leave Before He Starts?
The veteran midfielder, who has been in the professional ranks for over 15 years, had been with the Buccaneers for four seasons where he also managed to force his way back to Bafana Bafana with his impressive performances.
As Babina Noko will be expecting Monare's leadership and contribution to show on the field, team captain Linda Mntambo has no doubt about the quality that the 34-year-old is bringing to the side.
Mntambo, who has previously played with Monare at Jomo Cosmos and Pirates respectively, has spoken of his special relationship with the Embalenhle-born player.
"Myself and Thabang have a strong relationship off the field. We played together at Jomo Cosmos, and at Pirates, and now we are here. I think Thabang is a big boy, he's been in the league for so many years, and he knows what he needs to bring to the table," said Mntambo, speaking to journalists during Sekhukhune's MTN8 media briefing in Bedfordview.
Read – Insider: What Sundowns Should Do With Mabena
"The other time my colleagues were asking me, 'What can we expect?' I said, 'you can expect nothing but 100% from a player of Thabang's quality'. He knows that he needs to deliver, he knows his mandate as a player, he knows what he needs to do on the field. So, with that, I don't have a lot of problems with him. Obviously, we are integrating him into the team, and all that he needs to do is to know his teammates but on the field, he knows what he needs to do, and it's not much of a problem when it comes to him," added Figo, as Mntambo is known in SA football circles.
For all your exclusive football content and breaking news, join our WhatsApp Channel here.