Orlando Pirates midfielder Thabang Monare could not hide the pain of witnessing the sorry decline of his former club Jomo Cosmos who continue to slide into oblivion slowly.
Jomo Cosmos, who enjoy a rich history in local football, are now playing in the third tier – ABC Motsepe League – after they were relegated last season.
Cosmos have produced several players and coaches that have gone on to conquer the world.
In their hall of fame are names like Pitso Mosimane, the late Thomas Madigage, Philemon Masinga, Chris Katongo, Benjani Mwaruwari Anthony Laffor, Arthur Zwane, and Helman Mkhalele.
In recent years, they also churned out talents like Renelwe Letsholonyane, Morgan Gould, Mcbeth Sibaya and Thabang Monare.
Almost every PSL team has one or two former Jomo Cosmos sons, whether on the technical or playing field.
Monare, therefore, believes a team with such a history should maintain its massive status in the higher echelons of local football.
“Eish, it is unfortunate, you know. You know how football is. You don’t want to see the team that gave you the platform in that situation of Jomo Cosmos,” Monare told the media in Durban.
The 32-year-old Monare played for Cosmos between 2012 and 2016 as his football career took shape.
His prayer is that the team will soon return to the Motsepe Foundation Championship and eventually the PSL.
“I guess that’s how football is. We hope and pray the team will find its feet again and bounce back,” he said.
Monare has not had the brightest start at Pirates after rumours of a potential exit during the past transfer window.
He, however, remains hopeful he will impress new coach Jose Riveiro.
The Spaniard took over during the pre-season and has presided over 12 league games. He has won five, drawn four and lost three so far.
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