Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs are halfway through the 2025/26 season, and it’s time to hand out the mid-term report cards.
This series looks at how each of the club’s 11 new signings has performed so far, starting from defence and working all the way up front.
First up is Bafana Bafana right-back Thabiso Monyane, one of the most intriguing arrivals at Naturena this season.
THABISO MONYANE FROM ORLANDO PIRATES TO KAIZER CHIEFS
Amakhosi raised eyebrows when they snapped up Monyane on a free transfer from rivals Orlando Pirates. At just 25, the Soweto-born defender arrived with serious experience for his age.
He had already made 95 appearances for the Buccaneers, lifted four domestic trophies, featured in 11 CAF interclub matches, and earned his stripes as a Bafana Bafana international. On paper, this was a ready-made signing.
Monyane hit the ground running with five straight starts at right-back, looking comfortable, disciplined and tactically switched on with his speedy attribute. Those early games hinted that Kaizer Chiefs may finally have found a long-term solution since Siboniso Gaxa.
INJURY SETBACK AND DILLAN SOLOMONS FORM
Then came the interruption. An unlucky injury at the end of August halted his momentum and kept Monyane sidelined until the final week of October.
In that period, Dillan Solomons stepped up and suddenly played like Kaizer Chiefs’ best player and the Solomons we all knew at Moroka Swallows. He has turned the position into a real battle.
When Monyane returned, he had a proper fight back into the team rather than walk straight into the starters list. By the halfway mark of the season, Monyane played eight of Kaizer Chiefs’ 20 matches in all competitions, completing the full 90 minutes in five of those outings.
He is yet to register a goal or assist. The Soweto-born star has been solid when called upon, but clearly short of rhythm after the injury layoff.
Mid-term report card: Decent 5/10.