Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha has made a unique observation about Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende, stating that the Chilean midfielder is lazy.
Mbatha made these remarks after Pirates beat Sundowns 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup final at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The holding midfielder has been in a good run of form since joining the Buccaneers on loan from SuperSport United during the 2024 January transfer window.
Mbatha featured in 16 matches across all competitions for Pirates and scored one goal. The star has formed a formidable combination in the middle of the park with Makhehlene Makhaula.
He has managed to bench players such as Thabang Monare, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, and Fortune Makaringe. The latter was recently released by the club.
WHAT DID THALENTE MBATHA SAY ABOUT MARCELO ALLENDE?
With Mbatha winning the most midfield duels against Masandawana in the final, he says Marcelo Allende is lazy and that worked to his advantage.
The former Highlands Park midfielder was named the Man of the Match in the final against the Brazilians after an impressive performance.
“I played with Tebza [Mokoena] at SuperSport, so I knew it was gonna be difficult for him. But I know Allende is lazy. He doesn’t press like he should. He acts like he presses but doesn’t come. So I knew if I drive with the ball, they won’t press, and it will open up the space,” Mbatha said on Radio 2000.
“My role in the midfield is to work hard. I’m the youngest, so I must have more legs than Makhaula. I have more pace than him, so I can also cover for him. It becomes difficult to break us because we both work hard. We also have the freedom to interchange in going forward or staying.”
Meanwhile, Allende has been one of the outstanding performers for Sundowns since signing from Montevideo City Torque in Uruguay in 2022.
The 24-year-old has featured in 44 appearances in all competitions and scored four goals while making six assists.
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