Thalente Mbatha: Former Kaizer Chiefs Star Praises Orlando Pirates Player

• Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha has earned high praise from Junior Khanye after his performance in the Nedbank Cup
• The South African international showed class during the Soweto giants' win over Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila on Saturday
• The former Kaizer Chiefs star, who is now a football analyst, was impressed by Mbatha's performance in the match

Former Kaizer Chiefs player Junior Khanye has commended Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha, describing him as the driving force behind the Buccaneers after their recent wins.

Mbatha earned the Man of the Match award in their emphatic 4-1 victory over Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila during the Nedbank Cup’s last 32 round in Durban on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The 25-year-old also netted the second goal for Pirates in that game, and Khanye believes Mbatha’s strong showing wasn’t limited to this cup match; he has been consistently impressive in recent outings.

Orlando Pirates' recent performance

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Since the start of the second half of the season, Orlando Pirates have picked up where they left off at the end of 2025. They started the year with a goalless draw against Sekhukhune United, but have been victorious in all their other games.

Relebohile Mofokeng powered them to victory against Magesi FC and was also instrumental in their 2-0 win over AmaZulu FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Khanye hails Mbatha after Pirates' win

Khanye added that a midfield partnership between Mbatha and Sipho Mbule could greatly strengthen Abdeslam Ouaddou’s squad.

“I have to commend Mbatha, because for three consecutive games, he has been the heartbeat of Orlando Pirates,” Khanye told iDiski TV.

“He’s calm when needed, never hasty, and keeps the team organised. I’d like to see him paired with Mbule in central midfield rather than Mbule playing as a number 10.

"When Mbule is central, he’s much more at ease, and together they could control the tempo of the game. Mbatha consistently steps up, makes intelligent turns, and recycles possession effectively. I don’t think [Masindi] Nemtajela complemented him as well as he could have.”

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Here is what fans are saying on social media about Mbatha's performance against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in the Nedbank Cup.

Letswai Nameng said:

"Well-timed moral booster ahead of the key mid-week match. Hope coach let you run that double pivot role with Masindi and a creative midfield ahead of you."

Lungani Malunga shared:

"I want you shooting more, at least a minimum of two shots per half, and your goal return will be high, and your value within the team will increase. The rest will be history."

Lindelani Mshuqwana wrote:

"Well done, boy, we want this performance on the 18 please 🙏."

Mmuso ShoMfana reacted:

"Shandu... I've been singing, please take long-range shots 🍻... Sundowns is next, and I want those shots fired."

Faku Mak1803 added:

"Well played, young man. Keep it up. We want another banger against Chiefs. Keep practising those long-range shots."

Ouaddou left frustrated despite Pirates' win

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Briefly News also reported that Ouaddou was unhappy despite defeating Magesi FC in their Betway Premiership fixture before AmaZulu FC.

The French-Moroccan tactician led the Soweto giants to victory, but he was not satisfied with his team's performance despite the win.

Source: Briefly News