What makes the Thalente Mbatha-Makhehlene Makhaula link-up so effective?
Orlando Pirates star Thalente Mbatha has explained why his midfield partnership veteran hardman Makhehlene Makhaula has been successful.
Mbatha joined the Soweto giants during the recently concluded PSL 2023/24 season on loan from SuperSport United.
On the other hand, Makhwala has been with the Happy People for one and a half seasons after making a permanent switch from KZN side AmaZulu FC in the middle of the 2022/23 campaign.
In the six months they have been at Pirates, the two midfielders have played 13 matches together in all competitions.
The exceptional teamwork and skill displayed by the midfield duo on the field significantly contributed to the Bucs’ impressive second-place finish in the DStv Premiership. This achievement secured their participation in the CAF Champions League for the upcoming season.
Moreover, the Sea Robbers showcased their unwavering prowess by successfully retaining their titles in the Nedbank Cup and MTN8 tournaments, triumphing over Mamelodi Sundowns in the final matches of both cup competitions.
THALENTE MBATHA OPENS UP ON HIS COMBINATION WITH MAKHEHLENE MAKHAULA
Mbatha said that he is performing well alongside Makhaula, as their partnership dates back to 2019, when they were at Highlands Park together. Additionally, Makhaula mentored Mbatha after his promotion to the first team of ‘The Lions of the North’.
“We come a long way, as he said I was groomed under him. When I got to Johannesburg in 2019 I found him at Highlands Park FC, I was coming from Free State Stars,” said Mbatha.
“I can really say he’s the person that really groomed me. He used to give me a lift when I was going to the clubhouse [at Highlands Park]. I think the combination started from there, we already knew each other how we play.”
Recently, Makhaula also gave an insight into his relationship with Mbatha, citing that communication has played a big role in keeping them together.
“He was in the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] and I was in the first team [of Highlands Park]. He came to the first team, I was the one who was giving him advice,” said Makhaula.
“Even if we went our separate ways, we still communicated. I think that’s the key, communication between me and him it doesn’t die. We got here to Pirates, our relationship became more stronger.”
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