Ouaddou explains Mbatha absence after MTN8 final return

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says Thalente Mbatha was rested as a precaution after his return from surgery, despite playing in the MTN8 final, to protect his recovery amid a busy schedule.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained the precautionary absence of midfielder Thalente Mbatha from the squad that beat TS Galaxy 3-0 on Tuesday. Mbatha played in the MTN8 final loss to Mamelodi Sundowns just two days earlier, but was left out of the league matchday group as the club manages his return from knee surgery.

The 26-year-old had undergone the procedure after returning from national team duty earlier in the season, which had kept him out since 10 August. He made only his third appearance of the campaign in the cup final against Sundowns, having previously featured in the opening league fixture and an MTN8 quarter-final back in August. Ouaddou admitted it was a surprise to see Mbatha in that final, but praised his high-level performance.

Ouaddou's cautious management

Ouaddou stated the decision to omit Mbatha was purely precautionary. The Moroccan mentor said the club had worked extensively on Mbatha's rehabilitation to bring him back to full fitness and views him as an important player. The aim is to ensure he can continue his return without further setbacks as Pirates handle a congested fixture list.

This careful approach comes as the team enjoys strong domestic form. The 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy, secured with goals from Boitumelo Radiopane, Tshepang Moremi and Simphiwe Masilela, was their sixth consecutive Betway Premiership win without conceding a goal. It also maintained their position second in the league table on 22 points from eight matches, just one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mbatha's potential return

Mbatha is now expected to feature as Pirates shift focus to continental competition. He is likely to be involved when the team travels to face Namibian side African Stars in the CAF Champions League second qualifying round. His progress will also be monitored ahead of the next Bafana Bafana squad announcement in the coming weeks.

Pirates' next domestic assignment is a highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs at home on 31 October. Chiefs currently sit fourth in the table. With 19 goals scored and only one conceded this season, Ouaddou's squad is building momentum on multiple fronts as they integrate key players like Mbatha back into the fold.