Orlando Pirates midfielder and Bafana Bafana international Thalente Mbatha is relishing the opportunity to return to competitive action after an injury setback kept him sidelined during the early stages of the season. Mbatha has been working his way back to full fitness and was speaking ahead of Saturday’s MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Mbatha says the club’s focus is firmly on its own preparations rather than the form of their opponents. “For us, we are Orlando Pirates, we are a big institution, so there’s always pressure when you’re playing these types of games,” Mbatha said. “We don’t tend to focus on the opponents too much. Playing for Orlando Pirates, there is pressure alone. For us, it’s about continuing to work hard and continuing to prepare for the final.”
Mbatha also opened up about his journey back from injury, describing it as a difficult process that requires both physical and mental strength. “It’s a difficult situation and it’s a difficult journey, but I believe that the team and the support that I got from the medical team really helped me,” he said. “It’s something that continues because it’s a day-to-day thing. You have to continue strengthening and continue training. By pushing hard, you’ll be able to come back.”
Pirates head into the final as the defending MTN8 champions, but Mbatha has dismissed the suggestion that they should be considered favourites against Sundowns. “I don’t think so. I believe that we work hard for everything that we get, and there’s no luck in winning finals,” he said. “It’s the hard work that we put in here at training. We continue putting in the hard work, just like today, and we’re still going to continue working hard.”
The midfielder also highlighted the importance of preparation matches in helping players returning from injury regain match fitness and confidence. “I believe that’s where you gain match fitness and that’s where you gain the confidence of coming back,” Mbatha said. “Coming from an injury is something that’s not really easy, sometimes you fear to put in the leg because it’s a difficult situation, and it tells on you mentally.”
With the MTN8 final approaching, Mbatha will be hoping his recovery has progressed sufficiently to give him an opportunity to contribute as Pirates chase another trophy. The team is set to face one of their biggest rivals in a high-stakes cup final. Mbatha and the team are focused on their preparations, and he believes that their hard work will pay off.
Mbatha's return to the team is a significant boost for Pirates as they look to defend their MTN8 title. The team has been working hard to prepare for the final, and Mbatha's experience and skills will be crucial in their bid to win another trophy. The MTN8 final will take place on Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Key points
- Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha is relishing his return to competitive action after an injury setback.
- Mbatha says the club’s focus is firmly on its own preparations rather than the form of their opponents.
- Pirates head into the final as the defending MTN8 champions, but Mbatha has dismissed the suggestion that they should be considered favourites against Sundowns.
