Thalente Mbatha: Orlando Pirates Could Be Without Bafana Bafana Star for Soweto Derby
- Orlando Pirates could be without one of their top players for the Soweto Derby showdown against bitter rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, in the Betway Premiership
- The Sea Robbers are looking forward to securing all three points in the first Soweto Derby of the season, as the two clubs are in the title race
- A South African international is set to miss the derby after being out of selection for several games for the Buccaneers in recent weeks
Orlando Pirates could potentially suffer a huge blow ahead of their upcoming Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, as they are set be without one of their key players.
Source: Getty Images
The Buccaneers are set to lock horns with the Glamour Boys at FNB Stadium on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in one of South Africa’s most anticipated fixtures.
The Sea Robbers need a win against their city rivals with the hope of reclaiming the top spot on the league table from Mamelodi Sundowns after the Brazilians climbed to the summit of the log after defeating AmaZulu FC on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
The Bucs lost their last match in the league against Sundowns, which threw the title race open and also stumbled to a defeat against Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup.
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Bafana star set to miss Soweto Derby
According to reports, Pirates may have to play the upcoming Soweto Derby against Amakhosi without Bafana Bafana midfielder Thalente Mbatha.
Mbatha’s absence from the last three matchday squads has raised eyebrows among Pirates supporters, with questions being asked about the South African midfielder's absence.
Mbatha’s potential unavailability against Chiefs would come as a setback for Pirates, given that he is an important member of the team under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou this season. The South African international has made 16 appearances in all competitions so far.
Mbatha's agent explains his absence
Mbatha's representative, Mike Makaab, has clarified that the Bafana Bafana midfielder is dealing with a minor injury that may rule him out of the Soweto derby this weekend.
Speaking on the Gagasi FM Sports show, Makaab dismissed suggestions of off-field issues, explaining that Mbatha sustained a knock in his most recent appearance for the Bucs and that recovery has taken longer than initially expected.
He stressed that there is no underlying issue between the player and the technical team or club management, adding that he would have addressed any such concerns if they existed.
Source: Twitter
What brought about the speculation of a possible fallout with the Pirates coaching staff was the Sea Robbers releasing a list of injured player and Mbatha's name was notably absent. Makaab has since shut down those rumours, reiterating that the situation is purely injury-related.
With the derby fast approaching, it remains uncertain whether Mbatha will recover in time to feature in what is widely regarded as one of the biggest fixtures on the African football calendar.
Ouaddou blasts Pirates stars
Briefly News earlier reported that Abdeslam Ouaddou slammed Orlando Pirates players ahead of their mouthwatering clash against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership.
The French-Moroccan is not happy with his players despite their recent positive results in the Betway Premiership, and they are also on top of the league standings.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
