Mbatha plays down ‘lucky charm’ tag before Orlando Pirates face Mamelodi Sundowns

Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha has played down his growing reputation as the club’s “lucky charm” before Saturday’s MTN8 Final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mbatha has not been on the losing side in any of his past 32 club appearances as a starter across all competitions, a run which represents the longest unbeaten streak by a player in the modern PSL era.

The statistic has led supporters to circulate images and praise him on social media, but the Bafana Bafana international insists his priority is simply to carry out his responsibilities for Orlando Pirates.

“I’ve seen the pictures and everything, but as I said, for me, my job is to do my job with the Pirates,” Mbatha told journalists.

“So, I don’t go around looking for that if the team doesn’t lose or anything, because football is about three dimensions. You win, you draw, you lose.

“So for me, it’s a matter of doing my job, and if the team continues winning, that means I’m part of the person that’s doing my job.”

Mbatha’s return comes after a two-month spell on the sidelines. He suffered a knee injury in early August, ruling him out of important domestic matches as well as national-team commitments.

The midfielder has since progressed through his rehabilitation and recently took part in a number of behind-closed-doors friendly matches. Those games were intended to help him restore his match fitness and confidence.

He is now expected to be included in the Orlando Pirates squad for the final, although his involvement will depend on the decision of the technical team.

Orlando Pirates, the defending MTN8 champions, face continental champions Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00.

The fixture brings together two of South Africa’s leading clubs, with Orlando Pirates hoping Mbatha can continue the unbeaten record associated with his starting appearances and Mamelodi Sundowns seeking to claim victory in the high-profile final.