Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained Thalente Mbatha’s absence in their Betway Premiership clash against TS Galaxy at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Tuesday night.
The Bafana Bafana international was not included in Ouaddou’s matchday squad for the game to face The Rockets.
The Soweto giants won the game with a 3-0 scoreline, thanks to goals by Boitumelo Radiopane, Tshepang Moremi, and Simphiwe Masilela.
Despite the victory, the Buccaneers remain second on the table with 22 points from eight outings. They are just one point behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played nine games thus far.
ABDESLAM OUADDOU CLARIFIES THALENTE MBATHA’S ABSENCE AGAINST TS GALAXY
Coach Ouaddou has come forward to explain the reason behind Mbatha’s absence in the Rockets game, having featured in the MTN8 final against Sundowns this past Saturday, 10 October.
Mbatha recently recovered from a knee injury and started in the MTN8 final, when they lost 2-0 to Masandawana, ending the Buccaneers’ dominance in the tournament, as they had previously lifted the trophy in four successive editions.
“Yes, about Mbatha, you know, when he came back from the national team, he had surgery. We did everything to bring him back in terms of rehabilitation,” Ouaddou told journalists after the game.
“I think it was a surprise to see him in the MTN8 final. I was so amazed by his performance in the final. It has been a long time that I didn’t see such a quality of Mbatha, high level.
“So we don’t want to take a risk with Mbatha. He is an important player for us. So we played two days ago, and we don’t want to take any risk with him.”
Pirates will now shift their focus to their next game against Namibian side African Stars FC in the CAF Champions League second qualifying round on Saturday, 17 October 17. This game will take place at Botswana National Stadium in Botswana. The kick-off is scheduled for 15:00.
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