Pirates’ ‘lucky charm’ Mbatha not focusing on records ahead of final

Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha discussed the intense pressure in the club prior to the crucial MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns. The Buccaneers will face the Brazilian side at a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, with kick-off set for 6 pm. Mbatha, speaking to reporters during an MTN8 media day, emphasized that players understand the significance of representing a major institution and carrying the responsibility of their role.

He also highlighted that the team's focus is not solely on the opponents, but rather on maintaining their hard work and preparation for the high-stakes match.

Mbatha shared his journey back from injury and expressed his hopes that Sundowns may include him in the final squad. The midfielder has resumed full training after recovering from his injury, which he acknowledged as a challenging phase both physically and mentally. He emphasized that the preparation games have been instrumental in regaining match fitness.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is relying on Mbatha's presence, known as a "lucky charm," to contribute to the team's victory in the MTN8 final. Despite Mbatha's impressive record of not losing any of his last 32 starts across various competitions, he downplayed the significance of this streak, stating that his priority is to fulfill his duty within the team.

Mbatha concluded by affirming that football is a game of three outcomes – wins, draws, and losses – and his main focus is on performing his duties well, which, if the team continues to win, would indicate that he plays a part in it.