Pirates' injury rejects, a gamble Chiefs didn't need

THERE'S been an understandable outpouring of disbelief of Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane’s departure from Orlando Pirates this winter.

- MIHLAI BALEKA

The two fullbacks have had their fair share of fortunes at Pirates when Mako operated on the left and Monyane on the right.

Mako arrived at Pirates seven years ago, and won numerous trophies in the process, including four MTN8 trophies and two Nedbank Cups.

Monyane also achieved the same feat - and even more - as he joined Pirates when he was only 12 years old, spending 13 years at the club.

The duo was so good at some point that many tipped them to continue operating down the flanks for Bafana Bafana in the same games.

However, it’s been the latter - Monyane - that has been favoured by the incumbent Hugo Broos for Bafana in recent years, though he didn't get a chance to cement his spot.

The duo, though, have a lot in common. So much so that on the flipside of their defensive abilities, they are both injury prone as well.

They've spent a lot of time in the dressing room, leading them to missing out on some crucial matches for Pirates in the past.