Pirates midfielder shared his thoughts regarding Cardiff City interest
2 min read
After helping his team to reach another final of MTN8, Thalente Mbatha will be hoping to help the nation (Bafana Bafana) qualify for 2025 AFCON. Mbatha is amongst the fresh face in Bafana set up and he will be competing for a position in the midfielder with such as Tebogo Mokoena and Sephelelo Sithole.
Orlando Pirates midfielder was praised by bafana bafana coach Hugo Bross and rated him as a player they have been looking for a long time.
When asked about the rumors that England side Cardiff City are interested towards him the lanky midfielder responded by saying he has no idea about the fuse.
Mbatha said “No, I didn’t know [about Cardiff’s interest], but I can say focus is at Pirates, I just got a contract at Pirates, so I think everything I’m doing, I’m doing it for Pirates and they are the ones that will decide what will happen in the near future.”
KwaMashu in Durban born star went on to speak about his first national call up and labeled it as a dream come true.
Mbatha said “I’m fortunate enough to be here, it’s a dream come true and I’d like to thank the God Almighty.
“One thing I can say is that hard work beats talent, so, if you work hard, it’s definitely going to pay off.
“As much as you have the talent, if you’re not working hard, I think some things will lack here and there, but if you mix talent with hard work, I believe you’re going to get somewhere.”
Orlando Pirates star reveals that the experience he gained during CAF Confedaration Cup with Supersport United and CAF Champions League with Pirates will play huge part in transforming national team.
Mbatha said “It helped me a lot because I got to experience another level of football, the Champions League is not an easy stage or level to play on, so I think it’s something that’s going to help me going forward.
“It’s where I get the experience and learn more about the football industry, and I think it’s also where I have to push and tell myself it’s only the beginning.”
Hugo Broos and his troops will have a tough task as they will face Uganda on Friday 6 September at Orlando Stadium before traveling to South Sudan for fixture on Tuesday.
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
