Where is Thalente Mbatha and when will he return for Orlando Pirates?

Thalente Mbatha has been absent from recent Orlando Pirates matchday squads. What’s going on there you ask?

Insider source issues update on Mbatha

“He (Mbatha) is available, and he has been training with the rest of the team (Pirates),” a SL source revealed.

“He has recovered and is available for selection. Whatever else you read on social media about the player, which has nothing to do with his injury, is untrue. He missed those games (against Sundowns and Baroka) because he was injured, and that’s all.”

Mbatha issued his own update on Instagram addressing rumours he had arrived at training intoxicated:

“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.”

“You guys will see me tomorrow [against Golden Arrows]. I guess the person who said this knows better; maybe he’s the one who hired me, or he owns the club. You see when you’re doing well, people will always want to do things to bring you down.

“What I say, guys is that I’m from training, and in the past matches, I was injured; even the team did say that I was injured. I’m fit for tomorrow; if they put me in the team, then I’m playing.”

Golden Arrows clash postponed

Pirates were due to Golden Arrows on Wednesday evening at 19:30 but the clash 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?

Will Mbatha go straight back into the side upon his return?

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