This weekend saw the start of the new PSL season and one player making his debut for Orlando Pirates was Thabiso Monyane, who was converted from a forward into a defender. How did he play?
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The new Bucs number 34 was given his first team shirt number recently and has starred for the under 17 and under 20 national teams, including featuring in the under 20 World Cup in Poland in May and June.
However, up until this stage, he has been a forward or an attacking winger, but the Pirates technical team instead handed him his first team debut at right back against Bloemfontein Celtic. Mthokozisi Dube was out with a knock, but Asavela Mbekile was fit and yet only on the bench. Monyane's stats in his new position were impressive.
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Distribution:
Monyane played the full 90 minutes and had 59 touches, including completing 87% of his 47 attempted passes as 41 reached a teammate.
Attacking:
Going forward, the 19-year-old set up one chance, delivered two open play crosses (with one reaching a teammate) and made a single one-versus-one dribble, beating his man successfully.
Defending:
Despite being new to the role, he had a solid game. In this first half, he often found himself under pressure but he won three tackles and made six clearances by full-time as he got stronger as the game went on.
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Monyane is not the first player to be converted into a defender at Orlando Pirates in recent seasons. Marshall Munetsi went through the same conversion and he recently earned a move to Stade de Reims in France, so the Bucs technical have a good track record in this regard.
How do you think Monyane did on his debut and can he make the right back position his own? Let us know by commenting below!
