Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Thabang Monare has found a new home with a DStv Premiership team just a few weeks after leaving the club, choosing to remain in Johannesburg ahead of other possible options.
Monare is one of six confirmed departures from Pirates alongside Richard Ofori, Siyabonga Mpontshane, Fortune Makaringe, Souaibou Marou and Kermit Erasmus.
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The industrial midfielder made 19 appearances for the Sea Robbers and was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that returned with a bronze medal from the AFCON earlier this year.
By then, the writing was seemingly on the wall for 'Dash', who had not featured for Pirates since the end of November. His chances of a starting berth in the team were reduced further with the arrival of Thalente Mbatha, on loan from SuperSport United, making a move elsewhere all the more logical.
Monare was reportedly part of Sekhukhune United's squad that started training on Monday as he looks set to put pen to paper on a contract with the side.
Alongside SuperSport, Babina Noko were always one of the likely destinations for the Embalenhle-born star, who preferred to remain in Gauteng following his exit from Pirates.
The move also favours Sekhukhune, who recently parted ways with more than 10 players, including the experienced midfield duo of Sibusiso Vilakazi and Kamohelo Mokotjo.
The arrival of Monare is part of the club's bid to rope in more experienced campaigners as their fourth-place finish last season will see them battle it out in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
The 34-year-old is expected to be just among the first in a string of high-profile arrivals in the Sekhukhune United camp.
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Other players linked with a move to Babina Noko include Andile Jali, who has been a free agent since parting ways with Moroka Swallows mid-season.
Itumeleng Khune, whose contract with Kaizer Chiefs runs out at the end of June, is also being considered, although the veteran shot-stopper remains determined to earn a spot in Nasreddine Nabi's new-look Amakhosi and was part of the squad that returned to training on Monday.
Sekhukhune are also looking for continental pedigree in their pursuit of a head coach, having considered Gavin Hunt and Steve Komphela, with Jwaneng Galaxy's Morena Ramoreboli thrown into the mix.