Orlando Pirates’ bid to defend their MTN8 crown has received a major boost with the return of midfielder Thalente Mbatha to full-team training ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster final against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers will meet Sundowns at the sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 10 October, with Pirates chasing a record-extending fifth consecutive MTN8 title.
Mbatha’s return is particularly encouraging for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who has had to cope with several injury setbacks during the opening stages of the 2026/27 campaign.
The Bafana Bafana international has been sidelined with a knee injury since 10 August, but has now resumed full-team training and has also featured in friendly matches as he works towards regaining full match fitness.
His return gives Ouaddou another important option in midfield as Pirates prepare for arguably their biggest domestic assignment of the campaign.
Mbatha has already experienced the intensity of this year’s MTN8, having played 120 minutes in Pirates’ 2-1 quarter-final victory over Durban City before his injury ruled him out of subsequent matches.
The midfielder is not the only player providing encouragement to the Pirates camp. Evidence Makgopa has also returned to full training after recovering from patellar tendinitis, while several other injured players are progressing through their rehabilitation programmes.
However, Ouaddou remains cautious about throwing the returning players straight into the final.
Speaking ahead of the clash, the Pirates coach said the returning players were in good shape and that the medical and performance departments were working to make them available, but stopped short of confirming their participation against Sundowns.
For Mbatha, the road back has been as much a mental challenge as a physical one.
He described his recovery as difficult and said the support of the Pirates medical team had played an important role in helping him return. He also believes preparation matches are crucial for players coming back from injury because they help restore match fitness and confidence.
“It’s a difficult situation and it’s a difficult journey, but I believe that the team and the support that I got from the medical team really helped me,” Mbatha said.
The midfielder has also refused to label Pirates favourites despite their impressive record in the competition.
Pirates are the four-time defending champions, while Sundowns will be determined to stop their dominance when the two giants meet in Durban.
With the final now just days away, Mbatha’s return could therefore not have come at a better time for the Buccaneers.
After overcoming Durban City in the quarter-finals and Sekhukhune United in the semi-finals, Pirates are now one victory away from extending their remarkable MTN8 reign.
And with Mbatha back in training, the defending champions’ preparations have received another timely boost as they prepare for a final against their biggest domestic rivals.
