Kaizer Chiefs recently confirmed the arrival of five players, among them Thabiso Monyane who joined from rivals Orlando Pirates, who had released him after the expiry of his contract.
Prior to signing the 25-year-old, the Glamour Boys were interested in the services of Mhleli Innocent Mabuza to strengthen the right side of the defense. However, despite his contract with Louletano DC almost ending, the club demanded R10 million.
It was then that Amakhosi realised that Monyane, who has been one of the solid defenders at Bucs, when fit, would be available.
‘Chiefs felt that was not fair and too much for a free agent'
“The fact is that the club is believed to have been happy with Mhleli [Mabuza] after the first trials in May and apparently they invited him back for pre-season training at the Village. But when talks started it was believed that his Portuguese club was asking for a compensation fee of around R10 million although his contract was coming to an end on 30th June,” Soccer Laduma reported.
“Chiefs felt that was not fair and too much for a free agent while they were paying around R4.5million for Nkanyiso Shinga who had one year left on his contract and also playing in Portugal. It's believed that it was just a way to stall the move because they still wanted him at the club and asking for compensation was the best way to keep him in Portugal. So it's believed that although the club really wanted to sign him, the R10 million compensation fee is believed to have scared Chiefs away
It was also a choice between Mhleli [Mabuza] and Thabiso Monyane. Monyane was a free agent from Pirates while Mabuza could have been free but his club was asking for compensation, and business-wise wise the club had to go with Monyane hence the Mhleli Mabuza deal didn't work out despite the defender impressing the technical team,” they concluded.
Reeve Frosler, Dillan Solomons, and Thabiso Monyane will now be battling for the starting berth next season.
