Mbatha returns from injury as Orlando Pirates eye MTN8 final victory

Thalente Mbatha has played down his record-breaking unbeaten run as he prepares to make his return for Orlando Pirates in Saturday’s MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The midfielder has recovered from an injury that required surgery and used the international break to regain full fitness. He is now back in contention for the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium, where Orlando Pirates will face Mamelodi Sundowns, known as the Brazilians.

Speaking to the media at Rand Stadium, Mbatha confirmed he is ready for the showpiece but insisted his attention remains on carrying out his responsibilities for the Buccaneers rather than protecting his personal record.

Mbatha has avoided defeat in each of the last 32 club matches he has started across all competitions. That sequence is the longest unbeaten run recorded by an Orlando Pirates player in PSL history and has attracted considerable attention in South African football.

However, the 32-year-old midfielder said the achievement was not something he actively focused on.

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

“So I don’t go around looking for that if the team doesn’t lose or anything, because football is about 3 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 recovery provides a major boost to Orlando Pirates before one of South African football’s leading cup finals. His injury had threatened to keep him out of the encounter, but the timing of the international break gave him the opportunity to complete his rehabilitation after surgery.

The midfielder has since worked his way back into contention and could be considered for a starting place when the two sides meet on Saturday. His availability adds to Orlando Pirates’ options as they seek to overcome Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final.

For Mbatha, though, the focus is on contributing to the team rather than extending an individual statistical milestone.