- Thalente Mbatha's absence from Orlando Pirates' 3-0 win over TS Galaxy has raised questions after his MTN8 final appearance
- Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why the midfielder's recovery remains a priority as the Buccaneers navigate a busy schedule
- The Pirates coach was particularly impressed by Mbatha's performance in the final, but his latest decision points to a cautious approach
Source: Twitter
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why Thalente Mbatha was missing from the squad that beat TS Galaxy 3-0 on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. The midfielder had featured in the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns just days earlier, making his absence from the league match noticeable.
Ouaddou said Pirates were being careful with Mbatha after his return from injury and surgery. With a demanding fixture schedule ahead, the coach does not want to risk another setback for a player he considers important to the team.
Ouaddou explains why Mbatha missed the TS Galaxy match
Speaking after Pirates’ 3-0 victory, Abdeslam Ouaddou explained that Mbatha had undergone surgery after returning from international duty. The club then worked hard to get him back to full fitness through rehabilitation.
The coach admitted that Mbatha’s appearance in the MTN8 final had surprised him, given the midfielder’s recent recovery. He was particularly pleased with his performance, saying:
“I was so amazed by his performance in the final,” as quoted by iDiskiTimes.
Despite Mbatha’s impressive display, Ouaddou was unwilling to rush him back into action. With Pirates playing again just two days later, the coach opted for caution, stressing that the midfielder was too important to risk another setback.
Why Pirates are being cautious with Mbatha
Ouaddou stressed that the midfielder’s importance to the squad made it necessary to manage his workload carefully.
“He’s an important player for us. So we play two days after and we don’t want to take any risks about him,” he said.
The decision came as Pirates faced a quick turnaround between the MTN8 final and their league fixture against TS Galaxy. Giving Mbatha additional recovery time was therefore a priority.
Pirates had previously confirmed on 28 September that Mbatha had returned to full-team training after recovering from a knee injury that had kept him out since 10 August.
What Mbatha’s recovery means for Pirates
Mbatha will be looking to regain full match fitness as the Buccaneers navigate a busy run of fixtures. His progress will also be worth watching ahead of the next Bafana Bafana squad announcement, expected in the coming weeks.
For now, Ouaddou’s comments suggest Pirates are prioritising the midfielder’s long-term fitness over rushing him back into consecutive matches. The club has not confirmed a specific date for his next appearance.
Source: Facebook
Orlando Pirates face another injury concern ahead of Champions League clash
Briefly News previously reported that Orlando Pirates’ 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy came with a worrying moment involving Oswin Appollis.
The winger’s evening took an unexpected turn, leaving Abdeslam Ouaddou waiting for answers. With the Buccaneers preparing for their CAF Champions League clash against African Stars, Appollis’ situation has become another talking point.
Source: Briefly News
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