Orlando Pirates' in-form midfield talent has opened up about his meteoric rise in 2024 that's led him to his first national team call-up.
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The story
Buccaneers midfielder Thalente Mbatha is having one hell of a year with a selection into Hugo Broos' latest Bafana Bafana squad being his latest achievement.
Mbatha will hope to make his for Bafana Bafana in their back-to-back 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Uganda at Orlando Stadium on Friday and Away to South Sudan on Tuesday.
Since joining the Buccaneers from SuperSport United in January, he quickly became a key member in Jose Riveiro's midfield, making 16 appearances and play an important role in their Nedbank Cup triumph.
The 24-year-old has picked up from where he left off last season with four solid showings for the Sea Robbers in their opening four matches of the campaign in the MTN8 and CAF Champions League preliminary rounds.
In reaction to his first national team call-up, the rising star said it's a dream come true to play for Bafana Bafana and sent a reminder that it took more than just talent for him to get there.
"Firstly, I'm fortunate to be here. It's a dream come true. I'd like to thank the Lord Almighty. One thing I can say is, hard work beats talent. So, if you work hard, it will definitely pay off.
"As much as you have the talent, but if you're not working hard, I think some things will lack. But if your talent is going hard work, I believe you'll get somewhere," shares the Durban-born player, in a Bafana press-conference clip shared by Mahlatse Mphahlele.
'It's a dream come true,' - Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha on his Bafana Bafana call-up. pic.twitter.com/ttZxb5BXEz
— Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) September 2, 2024
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Like Mbatha pointed out in the "Bucs Camp: The Changeroom" documentary-series, his move to the Sea Robbers (made permanent from a loan in June), has been a life changing one for the KwaMashu-bred star.
In a short period, he's become a fan favourite among the Happy People and his impressive performances for Ezimnyama Ngenkani have reportedly drawn interest from English Championship club, Cardiff City.
Here are some of his best touches in a Pirates jersey:
@sihle.zn Replying to @gift.ii7 Isipho somuntu angeke useze Lutho, AMATALENT AWAFANI. #Talent_Mbatha #gwijoavenue?? #gwijo♥? ? original sound - CtheHenry
@_mageba15 Thalente mbatha aka " Window breaker ", just send your location ??? #kasiflava #dstvpremiership #orlandopirates ? original sound - J??
We managed to score 4 goals ????
— ???????????? (@ZukzFranco) April 13, 2024
Mbatha must be given his contract
What an assist from Sniper
That's what we want from Tito pic.twitter.com/Jdmg1e53zl
