Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha has opened up on how outgoing coach Jose Riveiro has helped improve his game.
Mbatha joined Pirates last season from fellow Betway Premiership side SuperSport United.
He made his official debut for the Buccaneers during the 6-0 win against minnows Crystal Lake in the Nedbank Cup at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga.
Since then, the 25-year-old has never looked back and has also cemented a place in the Bafana Bafana team under coach Hugo Broos.
THALENTHE MBATHA IS GRATEFUL FOR THE IMPACT JOSE RIVEIRO HAS HAD ON HIM
“I am really grateful for coach [Jose Riveiro] and the team for giving me the opportunity,” said Mbatha ahead of the Nedbank Cup final against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.
“I have never doubted my talent, but I am someone who believed that one day [it will happen] the way it has happened.
“For me, coach has influenced my football in a way that I didn’t think would have happened because for a coach to come from overseas and coach here in South Africa is something that really inspires us and we believe that one day we will make it overseas.”
WHY THE IMMINENT DEPARTURE OF THE ORLANDO PIRATES COACH WILL NOT DISTRACT THE PLAYERS
Riveiro is set to part ways with the Buccaneers at the end of the season. Mbatha has played down the notion that the announcement of Riveiro’s departure could distract the players.
“He didn’t tell us that he was leaving. We saw the official statement from the club, but I believe it’s something that’s not on the back of our minds as they were talking and discussing on their own. We were not there as players. As players, we have to be professional and stick to the game,” he added.
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