Thalente Mbatha: Orlando Pirates have belief to defeat Mamelodi Sundowns in MTN8 final

Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha says his side have the quality required to overcome Mamelodi Sundowns in Saturday’s MTN8 final, with the contribution of a youthful squad helping to drive the club’s progress.

The final at Moses Mabhida Stadium brings Pirates up against the reigning African champions in a fixture that will offer a measure of the Soweto club’s standing against one of the continent’s leading teams.

Mbatha, though, said Pirates were concentrating on their own performance and maintaining their recent standards rather than comparing themselves with Sundowns.

“We have enough quality to believe [we can beat Sundowns], we’re a team filled with youngsters and we believe that these youngsters are truly doing well,” Mbatha said.

Pirates’ defensive form has provided a strong platform for their start to the season. They have conceded only one goal in the league, and Mbatha said the squad’s priority was to resume that level of performance after the FIFA break.

“As you can see, we have only conceded one goal in the league, and for us, it’s to continue where we left off [before the FIFA break] and continue giving the supporters what they want and continue playing our own football,” he said.

The midfielder also emphasised the opportunities being given to young players at Orlando Pirates. About five youngsters have been starting matches, a development Mbatha believes is significant for South African football as well as for the club.

“It’s something that… that’s really great for us, we have probably five youngsters who are starting games, which is something really good for South African football,” he said.

That blend of youth and consistent results has helped create confidence within the team ahead of the final. Mbatha said the players would continue working hard as they prepare for the contest.

“So, I believe we will continue working hard. And winning the final would mean everything to us, to bless this club with more history.”