Thabang Monare Stunned by Orlando Pirates’ Surprise Announcement As Buccaneers Opt to Release 6 Players

• Thabang Monare was released by Orlando Pirates yesterday along with six other players before the new season starts
• Orlando Pirates also announced the arrival of four new players at the club along with the departures
• Thabang Monare's sudden release came as a surprise to many football fans, and to the player himself

Thabang Monare can’t understand why Orlando Pirates opted not to extend his contract with the club.

Monare was one of six players that the club announced would be leaving before the new season begins.

Kwanda Mngonyama, Abel Mabaso, Justice Chabalala, Elson Sithole and Wayne Sandilands were the other players released by the Buccaneers.

The Citizen reported that the 32-year-old Monare was offered a one-year contract extension with a salary cut, but that he and his agent were not happy with the deal.

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“It’s a huge surprise because he was a key player at Pirates. Apparently he was being offered a season-long deal and his salary was about to decrease, but he was not happy with that,” a source told the publication.

The publication also noted that there was more surprise decisions to come at the club.

Monare’s release was definitely a surprise, especially for the player himself.

According to KickOff, Monare was under the impression that was still going to meet with management to discuss his contract.

"I was also surprised by the reports. No one at Pirates has told me anything about that. What I know is myself and Pirates will meet soon. What I know is we are still negotiating,” he said.

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Four players were confirmed to have arrived at the club, with six others' time at the club coming to an official end.

According to iDiski Times, Evidence Makopa (Baroka FC), Bienvenu Eva Nga and Azola Matrose (both Chippa United) and Miguel Timm (Marumo Gallants). Amazulu defender Tapelo Xoki is on also on the way, with the deal being finalised before it is confirmed.

Mandla Ncikazi to remain with Orlando Pirates after Fadlu Davids' departure

It has been reported that interim Orlando Pirates coach Mandla Ncikazi is staying put at the club.

As reported by Sports Brief, this is despite rumours swirling of an array of possible candidates being looked at to replace him and former co-coach Fadlu Davids.

The Buccaneers have been linked with a variety of individuals to take the head coach position ahead of next season.