Cape Town City FC have strengthened their squad ahead of the new season by confirming the signings of Dutch attacking midfielder Rai Vloet and experienced South African midfielder Thabang Monare.
The duo become the latest additions as the Citizens look to secure their return to the Betway Premiership following their relegation at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
Vloet handed second chance
The headline signing is 31-year-old Vloet, who joins the Citizens as a free agent after last playing for Russian club Ural, where his contract ended in June 2024.
According to FlashScore, the former PSV Eindhoven academy graduate arrives in South Africa looking to rebuild his career after serving a prison sentence in the Netherlands.
In April 2023, Vloet was convicted of causing a fatal road accident while driving under the influence of alcohol. The crash claimed the life of a four-year-old boy, and he was later sentenced to 30 months in prison.
He was released after serving 20 months and will now resume his professional career in South Africa’s second tier National First Division (NFD).
Vloet began his career at PSV Eindhoven and made several first-team appearances, including in the UEFA Champions League, before spells in Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Kazakhstan and Russia.
Monare adds experience
Cape Town City have also secured the services of former Orlando Pirates midfielder Thabang Monare following his departure from Sekhukhune United.
The 36-year-old brings a wealth of experience, having made more than 370 Premier Soccer League appearances during a career that has included spells with Jomo Cosmos, Bidvest Wits, Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United.
A former Bafana Bafana international, Monare is expected to provide leadership and stability in midfield as City target promotion back to the top flight.
Promotion the priority
Cape Town City have wasted little time rebuilding their squad after missing out on promotion to the Betway Premiership last season.
The additions of Vloet’s creativity and Monare’s experience underline the club’s ambition to challenge for promotion and return to South African football’s top division.
However, Vloet’s arrival is also likely to attract scrutiny given his criminal conviction, with the Dutch midfielder now hoping to put his past behind him and focus on reviving his career on the pitch.
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