Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha has dismissed suggestions that the Soweto giants are automatic favourites to lift the 2026 MTN8 trophy this weekend.
The Buccaneers are chasing a historic fifth consecutive MTN8 title, having won the past four editions. They lock horns with arch-rivals Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, October 10, with kickoff scheduled for 18:00.
The two heavyweight clubs return to domestic action following the FIFA international break, during which both squads saw several key figures represent Bafana Bafana and other African national teams in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Despite pundits and supporters heavily tipping the defending champions to retain their crown, the Bafana Bafana international insists past success counts for nothing on matchday.
MBATHA SHARES THOUGHTS ON MTN8 FINAL
“I don’t think so [being the favourites]. I believe that we work hard for everything that we get, and there’s no luck in winning finals,” Mbatha said during Pirates’ media open day on Monday.
“It’s down to the hard work we put in at Rand Stadium, just like we did today [training on Monday]. If we continue putting in that work, we’ll keep winning. Working hard is what will play the biggest role in winning this final.
“We are going to play the final to win it. That’s the mindset we need to have, combined with the right attitude.”
Meanwhile, the former SuperSport United star is back in contention for a starting berth after fully recovering from a recent injury setback.
However, Mbatha returns to a midfield that has flourished in his absence, with off-season signings Thapelo Mokobodi and Mthetheleli Mthiyane forming an impressive central partnership.
It remains to be seen whether head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will throw Mbatha straight back into the starting lineup or stick with the trusted Mokobodi-Mthiyane duo for the high-stakes clash.
Mbatha has been the key figure for Pirates since signing with the club in January 2024 on loan from SuperSport. At the start of the 2024/25 season, the midfielder hailing from KwaMashu put pen to paper on a permanent deal with the Ghosts.
The 26-year-old has so far made 90 appearances across all competitions for Pirates, scoring six goals and providing four assists. He has also won several major trophies, including the Betway Premiership title last season.
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