Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Mpho Makola has lauded the club’s new engine room partnership of Thapelo Mokobodi and Mthetheleli Mthiyane, tipping the duo to keep Thalente Mbatha out of the starting line-up once he returns from injury.
Makola heaped praise on Mthiyane and Mokobodi, who have played a starring role in Pirates’ strong start to the campaign as they look to defend their domestic treble—the Betway Premiership, MTN8, and Carling Knockout.
The duo played a key role in sweeping Sekhukhune United 4-0 on aggregate in the two-legged MTN8 semi-finals, as well as Tuesday’s 3-0 league victory over Kruger United, where both players completed the full 90 minutes.
By advancing to the final, The Buccaneers keep their quest alive for a record-extending fifth consecutive MTN8 title, having lifted the trophy for the past four seasons.
In what promises to be a mouth-watering final, Pirates will lock horns with Mamelodi Sundowns on October 10, with the venue yet to be confirmed by the PSL.
The Sea Robbers’ impressive run of form has been driven by Mokobodi and Mthiyane’s dominance in the engine room.
The talented midfield pair arrived at Pirates ahead of the 2026/27 campaign from Stellenbosch FC and rapidly established themselves as central figures under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
MAKOLA SHARES THOUGHTS ON MTHIYANE AND MOKOBODI
Together, Mokobodi and Mthiyane have forged a seamless partnership, providing the Soweto giants with much-needed attacking fluidity and defensive balance.
The former Marumo Gallants star, Mokobodi, has already featured in seven games and scored once for Pirates, while Mthiyane has made five appearances across all competitions, picking up one Man of the Match award along the way.
After hitting the ground running at Pirates, Makola shared his thoughts on Mokobodi and Mthiyane and tipped the two players to continue starting matches even when Thalente Mbatha returns from his injury setback.
“Look, I think the combination of Mthiyane and Mokobodi is very exciting. Most people don’t know that they played together at Stellenbosch, and you can tell when they are on the field that they know each other.” Makola told FARPost.
“I also know Mokobodi from the dusty streets in the township tournaments in Soweto; he used to play for a team called Black Poison [Rulani Mokwena’s team]. And I was very happy when he moved to Marumo Gallants. I’m glad that they used him, probably because he ended up at Pirates.
“So this is a good midfield partnership, and I would like to believe that the coach will continue with it even when Mbatha is back. I know he’s a Bafana Bafana player and he’s been important for Pirates, but you don’t have to fix it when it’s not broken.”
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