Mbatha Brushes Off Record-Breaking Unbeaten Streak Ahead Of Pirates' MTN8 Final
by Delmain Faver · Soccer LadumaThalente Mbatha is focusing solely on doing his job rather than dwelling on his record-breaking achievements as Orlando Pirates prepare for Saturday's MTN8 final.
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The Orlando Pirates midfielder has been nursing an injury that required surgery but used the international break to fully recover and work his way back into contention for Saturday's MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Speaking to the media at Rand Stadium ahead of the showpiece, Thalente Mbatha downplayed his historic unbeaten run while confirming his readiness for the clash.
Mbatha has not lost any of the last 32 club games he has started across all competitions, establishing the longest unbeaten run by an Orlando Pirates player in PSL history. The statistic has drawn significant attention in South African football circles, but the midfielder remained characteristically humble when addressing the milestone.
"Yeah, I've seen the pictures and everything, but as I said, for me, my job is to do my job with the Pirates. 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."
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His return to fitness represents a significant boost for the Buccaneers ahead of their MTN8 final encounter with Mamelodi Sundowns, the Brazilians.
The timing of the international break proved crucial in allowing Mbatha the necessary recovery period following his surgical procedure, positioning him as a potential inclusion in the starting lineup for one of South African football's premier cup competitions.