With Thalente Mbatha’s reputation at risk due to serious allegations of unprofessional behaviour, his agent, Mike Makaab, has issued an ultimatum regarding claims that the Orlando Pirates midfielder reported for work while under the influence of alcohol.
The claims began circulating on social media on Monday after Mbatha missed Pirates’ last two matches against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership and Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup.
Reports indicated that Mbatha was suspended by Pirates for arriving at training intoxicated. This situation arose after the Soweto giants announced that the KwaMashu-born star had sustained an injury during a Betway Premiership match against Sekhukhune United in Polokwane a fortnight ago.
However, prior to the Baroka game at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, Pirates declared Mbatha fit and available for selection, but he was left out of the matchday squad.
Mbatha took to Instagram Live on Tuesday to directly refute social media claims that he wasn’t training, asserting he had just finished a session and was fit for the Golden Arrows match on Wednesday in the league.
The Bafana Bafana international attributed the allegations to attempts to sabotage his success, clarifying that he had previously been injured, as confirmed by Pirates. A few hours later, his agent, Makaab, further dismissed the claims via X, formerly Twitter, providing explanations for Mbatha’s recent absence and simultaneously threatening legal action against those responsible for the “drunk” training allegations.
MBATHA AGENT DEMANDS PUBLIC APOLOGY, ISSUES ULTIMATUM OVER ‘DRUNK’ ALLEGATIONS
“It is deeply disappointing to see defamatory and unfounded allegations being made about a professional footballer’s character and conduct,” said Makaab. “The claim that Thalente Mbatha arrived at training under the influence is completely false.
“Thalente was injured and has since resumed training with his team. Any suggestion that his absence was due to serious misconduct is not only damaging to his reputation but also defamatory.
“We demand a public apology on social media to the player, his family, and his club. Should this not be forthcoming, we reserve all rights to pursue appropriate legal action.
“Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democracy, but it does not extend to the spread of baseless falsehoods that harm an individual’s reputation.”
Mbatha, who initially joined Pirates on loan from SuperSport United during the second half of the previous season before securing a permanent transfer, has become a key player for The Buccaneers.
This season, he has amassed 26 appearances across all competitions, contributing four goals and one assist. His consistent performances have also earned him regular call-ups to the Bafana Bafana squad in recent months.
In their pursuit of Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the log, Pirates will play Golden Arrows in a Betway Premiership fixture at Mpumalanga Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30 this evening [Wednesday].
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