Orlando Pirates update: Mbatha’s situation clarified, Mokoena trains with the team
Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha took to Instagram to address rumors claiming he showed up to training intoxicated.
Orlando Pirates have midfield issues to resolve before they clash with City. There’s also a new player in training, but where is Thalente Mbatha?
Mbatha issues an update on his fitness
Gifted central midfielder Thalente Mbatha issued his own update on Instagram addressing rumours he had arrived at training intoxicated. The club faces a midfield crisis before their clash with Cape Town City.
“They said I’m not training, you listen to everything, and I just came back from training. People can say whatever about me, but I’m coming from training.”
When are Pirates playing next?
Pirates were due to Golden Arrows on Wednesday but the match was postponed. Influential midfield general Makhehlene Makhaula will miss Pirates’ next clash, against Cape Town City on Saturday 22 Feb, after he picked up a fourth booking of the campaign last time out against Baroka in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16. Kabelo Dlamini started alongside Makhaula against Baroka so he’ll keep his place. Now, head coach Jose Riveiro must decide who will partner with him. The versatile skills of Selaelo Rasebotja could come in handy. Will Mbatha return? He sounds as though he’s fit and ready to go.
Mokoena is training with Orlando Pirates
According to Soccer Laduma, winger Neo Mokoena and 19-year-old central defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi are training with the Pirates first team. Jose Riveiro is impressed with the pair.
Pirates face competition for Khanyi
25-year-old Muzomuhle Khanyi has been causing a stir in the NFD, scoring goals for fun. He recently bagged a treble to further enhance his reputation as one of the best potential bargain deals available on the market. Although Pirates are stocked in this portion of the pitch with the prolific Tshegofatso Mabasa and relentless running power of Evidence Makgopa, there’s no such thing as too many good strikers.