Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha opens up on league title battle

Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha has defiantly declared that his outfit remain firmly in the hunt for the Premiership title, despite a frustrating setback that has complicated their pursuit of glory.

The Buccaneers were held to a 2-2 draw by Richards Bay FC in a pulsating encounter at the packed Umhlathuze Sports Complex on Friday night—a result that could prove costly in the title race.

Dropped points at this stage of the season have cast doubt over Pirates’ ability to halt the dominance of Mamelodi Sundowns, who are chasing a remarkable ninth consecutive league crown. Sundowns currently sit top of the standings with 56 points, narrowly ahead of Pirates, who have accumulated 55 points but have played a game more.

Yet, amid growing pressure and tightening margins, Mbatha has refused to concede defeat. Speaking with conviction, the midfielder emphasized belief within the squad and urged a focused approach heading into the decisive stretch of the campaign.

“For us, I believe that we’re still in the race,” Mbatha said. “We have to continue playing our game because we must take it one game at a time. We are running our own race, and I believe that is something we must continue doing.”

His words reflect a dressing room determined not to let one result define their season. Pirates have shown resilience and consistency throughout the campaign, but the margin for error is now razor-thin as Sundowns continue to set the pace at the summit.

Attention now turns to a crucial fixture against AmaZulu FC at the Orlando Stadium this Saturday—a match that could either reignite their title push or further dent their ambitions. Victory is non-negotiable if the Sea Robbers are to keep pressure on the reigning champions.

With the season entering its decisive phase, all eyes will be on Pirates to see whether Mbatha’s belief can translate into results on the pitch—or whether Sundowns will once again assert their dominance over South African football.