Thalente Mbatha’s masterclass: The techniques behind his long-range goals

Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha has shared insights into the techniques he employs to unleash powerful long-range strikes during matches.

Mbatha has been a standout performer for Pirates after he joined the club on loan from SuperSport United in January 2024. Ahead of the current season, the deal was made permanent.

He has been displaying consistent performances when given the opportunity to play. Also, he has formed a great midfield partnership with Makhehlene Makhaula.

For The Sea Robbers, the 24-year-old Bafana Bafana international has made 38 appearances across all competitions, scoring five goals while grabbing two assists.

Some of Mbatha’s goals have been long-range strikes, even when on national duty with Bafana. On Sunday at Orlando Stadium, he scored another cracker for the Soweto giants in the 2-1 victory over CR Belouizdad in the CAF Champions League.

The goal helped Pirates to qualify for the knockout stages – quarterfinals of the Champions League for the first time since 2013.

THALENTE MBATHA SAYS HE USE LACES AND INNER STEP TO SHOOT LONG-RANGE SHOTS

Mbatha explained that he employs two distinct striking techniques for his long-range shots: the “inner step,” where he strikes the ball with the inside of his foot, and the traditional “laces” shot, executed with the top of his foot connecting with the ball.

He went on to state that taking long-range shots is something he started when he was playing in the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC].

“It’s a different technique; sometimes I use the inner step, and sometimes I use the laces. When it’s [the short] connected, you can feel that it’s going on target but not that it’s going in,” said Mbatha on Radio2000.

“It’s something that I’ve been doing from a young age. Even when I was in the DDC, I used to take these kind of shots and sometimes I would score these kind of goals.

“It’s something that people used to tell me that I should shoot. I think it’s something that has been lacking in my game.

“Now that the confidence is back in shooting, the team also encourages me; they tell me that even if you miss, if it’s on target, you can score, and we win. The team believes in me taking shots, and they are giving me the confidence to do so.”

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