Monare keeps Wits in hunt

Jonty Mark

While there have been many new faces at Bidvest Wits this season, as the rejuvenation process began following a disappointing 2017/18 campaign, one constant in midfield has been Thabang Monare.

The 29-year-old remained at the Clever Boys for the new season, while other central midfielders moved on, Ben Motshwari and Xola Mlambo joining Orlando Pirates, while Phumlani Ntshangase moved to SuperSport United.

And Monare (above) has done superbly, even contributing a couple of assists, as Wits stay in contention for a second Absa Premiership title in three seasons. They also reached the semifinals of the Telkom Knockout.

The TKO success was the one bright spot for the Clever Boys last season, and they have an excellent chance of defending their title, but first they must get past Baroka FC tomorrow at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

“It is going to be difficult, they beat Sundowns (in the quarterfinals) at the same place and they will be be highly motivated and playing in front of their own fans.”

There are plenty of fresh faces in the Wits squad this season, and this does appear to have given them an extra incentive to go for silverware after battling relegation last season.

“Numbers don’t lie, looking at where we are, the guys have put in a massive shift for the team and shown a lot of hunger. We understand each other and are working towards the same goal.”

Not that Monare, who has won the league and TKO with Wits, has any less appetite for success than those who have not.

“There is a lot of hunger in the team and for me. I have won the (TKO) trophy, but as the coach (Gavin Hunt) has always said, once you lose your hunger you must retire. You can’t lose that hunger, it is what drives you, it is the reason you wake up in the morning.”

Monare, meanwhile, says he has had not problem adjusting to new central midfield partners, after all the departures at Wits.

“It is not really a different environment, it is the same coach, the same team, the same approach. I have a job in a good team with good players.”

We understand each other and are working towards the same goal.

Thabang Monare Bidvest Wits midfielder