Mbatha says every Orlando Pirates player must shoulder MTN8 final pressure

Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha says the responsibility of representing the club in Saturday’s MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns belongs to the entire team, rather than one individual.

The 26-year-old has become a popular figure among the Buccaneers’ supporters since establishing himself in the side, with his performances earning widespread praise.

As Pirates prepare to face Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium at 18:00, Mbatha is expected to be among the players fans look to for inspiration. However, he has stressed that the demands of the occasion cannot be placed solely on his shoulders.

The Sea Robbers are aiming to win a fifth consecutive MTN8 title when they meet Masandawana in one of the biggest fixtures of the early season. The final also offers Orlando Pirates the chance to claim more silverware for their supporters.

Mbatha believes every player selected for the match must accept the pressure that comes with the occasion.

“I believe that supporters are people that love the club. I believe that they love every player around that plays for Pirates, it’s not only me,” he told the media.

The midfielder said representing Orlando Pirates carried significance beyond the performance of any one player.

“For every player that plays for Pirates, they must remember that they are playing for a big institution and they have got a job to do,” Mbatha said.

“So the pressure is on all of us, it’s not only on me and whoever gets the opportunity to play that game, I believe that they are going to do best.”

Mbatha’s comments come as Pirates seek to maintain their dominance in the competition against a Sundowns side determined to prevent them from extending their run of MTN8 successes.

For the Orlando Pirates midfielder and his team-mates, the final is another opportunity to repay the faith of the club’s supporters when it matters most.