STELLENBOCH, SOUTH AFRICA – JANAURY 08: Thabang Monare during the South Africa national mens soccer team media open day at Lentelus Sportsground on January 08, 2023 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
Despite having last played in November, Orlando Pirates star Thabang Monare is unfazed by the questions surrounding his inclusion in Bafana Bafana’s final AFCON squad.
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Monare’s last appearance for Pirates came in the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs back in November last year.
Since then, he has not featured in any of the Buccaneers’ last six league games.
Despite his lack of game time at club level, the 34-year-old has done enough to find himself amongst the 23 players selected by Hugo Broos to represent Bafana Bafana at the 2024 AFCON in Ivory Coast, which kicks off this weekend.
Just before jetting out with his teammates, Monare opened up about his selection, revealing that he was prepared for the opportunity despite seeing very little in terms of game time at his club.
“No, I wasn’t (surprised) because in the first 44 players I was mentioned and I was obviously looking forward to stand up for my country, so it didn’t come as a surprise. I was ready and I was willing to be here and standing firm to represent my country,” he told members of the media at the Southern Sun Hotel.
“Yeah, obviously [my lack of game time] was a concern, you know, but you face reality and how the game is, you know, I mean, if I’m out for certain reasons, that really doesn’t put me out. So, I really keep the faith and understand how the game works, and always be mentally, physically prepared physically to be there and give my all when I get called up,” he added.
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