MIDFIELD KING Tito Monare Stuns Polokwane as Cheezboy Mokoena Calls Him the Game-Changer Pirates Needed

Former Orlando Pirates forward Cheezboy Mokoena has praised midfielder Thabiso “Tito” Monare for his commanding performance during Pirates’ narrow 1-0 win over Polokwane City, singling him out as the player who truly made a difference on the pitch.

In what turned out to be a tense and tightly contested Premier Soccer League fixture, Orlando Pirates managed to snatch all three points thanks to a solitary goal.

However, it wasn’t just the scoreline that caught the attention of spectators and analysts — it was the performance of Tito, whose influence in midfield drew admiration from one of the club’s former stars.

Cheezboy Mokoena, now working as a pundit and analyst, did not hold back his praise for the veteran midfielder following the game.

Speaking during a post-match discussion, Mokoena highlighted Monare’s ability to dictate the tempo, break up play, and bring composure to Pirates’ midfield under pressure.

“What I liked about Tito today is how calm he was on the ball,” Mokoena said.

“He didn’t just win challenges — he turned defense into attack within seconds.

That kind of intelligence and maturity is exactly what you need in tough away games like this.

Polokwane City came into the match determined to frustrate the Soweto giants.

They closed down spaces quickly, played a high-pressing game, and looked to catch Pirates on the break.

For large parts of the first half, Pirates struggled to find rhythm, with most of their attacking moves being disrupted before reaching the final third.

But amid the chaos, Tito Monare remained composed.

He read the game brilliantly, making several key interceptions and distributing the ball with precision.

At one point in the first half, he launched a pinpoint diagonal pass that led to a near goal-scoring opportunity, showcasing his ability to unlock defenses.

It wasn’t just his passing range that impressed Mokoena and others — it was his leadership.

Whenever Pirates seemed flustered, Tito was the one barking instructions, keeping the midfield organized, and helping younger players maintain their structure.

“I’ve seen Tito have good games before,” Mokoena continued, “but today he showed what makes him elite.

It’s not just about skill, it’s about timing, reading the game, and knowing when to calm things down or raise the intensity.

The only goal of the match came in the second half, when Pirates capitalized on a brief lapse in concentration by the Polokwane defense.

A quick interchange of passes saw the ball fall to Zakhele Lepasa, who slotted it past the goalkeeper with confidence.

While Lepasa got the headlines for the goal, many felt the move began with Tito’s involvement further back, initiating the transition with a clever turn and pass that bypassed three Polokwane players.

After the goal, Pirates continued to manage the game well.

Rather than retreating into a defensive shell, they maintained control in midfield — largely thanks to Tito — and snuffed out any real threats from Polokwane.

Defensively, the Buccaneers were solid, but it was the midfield that truly set the tone.

Mokoena made a point of emphasizing how players like Monare often go underappreciated in these kinds of matches.

“They’re not always scoring or grabbing the spotlight,” he said, “but without them, the whole structure collapses.

Tito held everything together tonight.

Pirates coach Jose Riveiro also nodded in approval when asked about Monare’s performance.

“We needed control in the middle today,” Riveiro said during his post-match interview.

“Tito gave us exactly that.

He knew when to press, when to hold, and when to pass — and that’s why he stayed on for the full ninety.

As the league season continues, performances like these will be crucial for Pirates.

They’re in the thick of a title race, and every point counts.

Matches like the one against Polokwane — away from home, low-scoring, physically demanding — are often the ones that separate champions from contenders.

Fans online echoed Mokoena’s sentiments.

Social media was buzzing with praise for Monare, with hashtags like #TitoMasterclass and #MidfieldMaestro trending among Pirates supporters.

One fan wrote, “We don’t talk about Tito enough.

That man owns the midfield every time he steps on the pitch.

Another posted, “It’s the little things — the turns, the positioning, the passes under pressure — Tito is a real leader out there.

For Cheezboy Mokoena, the praise wasn’t just about this match.

He sees in Monare a player who represents the values of the club — hard work, composure, and commitment.

“Tito reminds me of the Pirates midfielders I used to play with,” he said.

“Guys who could hold it down, no matter the pressure.

That’s a rare quality.

As Pirates prepare for their next fixture, it’s clear that Monare’s role will continue to be central to the team’s plans.

While he may not always grab headlines with goals or flashy skills, those who understand the game know exactly how valuable he is.

And if this performance was any indication, Tito Monare is far from finished — in fact, he may just be getting better.