Mbatha rejects favourites tag ahead of Pirates-Sundowns MTN8 final

Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha says the club’s record in recent MTN8 finals will count for nothing when they face Mamelodi Sundowns in Saturday’s decider at Moses Mabhida Stadium (18:00).

Pirates have won the past four MTN8 finals, leading many to regard them as favourites for the latest showpiece. Mbatha, however, believes their previous success gives them no advantage and said the team must rely on its work rather than its history.

“It’s a new game, and what happened in the past won’t count for anything. We have worked for everything that we have achieved, and there was no luck in us winning the previous finals, but we are not thinking about that,” Mbatha said.

“I believe that it’s only the hard work that’s going to help us win this one. We are going to play this final to win it; that’s it.”

The 26-year-old, who comes from KwaMashu in Durban, also insisted that facing Sundowns in a final would not unsettle Pirates.

Mbatha said playing for a club of Pirates’ stature brought its own pressure, regardless of the opposition.

“We are Orlando Pirates; we are a big institution, so there’s always pressure when you play these types of games. And we don’t tend to focus on the opponents too much because, as I said, we are a big institution,” he said.

“So, playing for Orlando Pirates is pressure on its own. For us it’s to continue working hard.”

Mbatha continues recovery

Mbatha has only recently returned from a medium-term knee injury and credited the Pirates medical department for helping him regain full fitness.

His sole appearance this term came in the MTN8 quarter-final against Durban City in August. He played the entire match at home before his recovery continued.

The midfielder said rehabilitation had been challenging but remained an ongoing process requiring daily commitment.

“It’s a difficult situation, and it’s a difficult journey, but I believe that the support that I got from the medical team really helped me. And it’s something that’s really continuing because it’s a day-to-day thing,” Mbatha said.

“You have to continue strengthening; you have to continue training, so I believe that by pushing hard you’ll be able to come back.”

Mbatha’s return does not guarantee him a place in the starting line-up against Sundowns. Thapelo Mokobodi and Mthetheleli Mthiyane have performed well in Pirates’ midfield during his absence, leaving the Bafana star competing for a place in the final.