Orlando Pirates’ midfielder Thalente Mbatha says he should be mentally strong and focused next season if he’s to achieve the targets he’s set for himself.
Since arriving at Pirates 18 months ago, Mbatha has embodied his name – showcasing his talent and endearing himself to the football fraternity.
His skillset was also honed by coach Jose Riveiro who’s since left the club and joined Egyptian Al Ahly club.
Just 2 days to go until Giants hit your screens ☠️
📆 Sunday, 27 July
📺 21:00 on SuperSport & Mzansi Magic⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways#giantsondstv pic.twitter.com/EIlDvIdDvQ
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 25, 2025
New coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has also rolled his sleeves and quickly got to work as he led the team when they intensified their preparations for next season with a two-week tour of Spain.
Pirates needed the tour as they must be at their best next season and compete for all trophies up for grabs, including the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League.
Mbatha, moreover, has to be at his best in club football to ensure that he makes Bafana Bafana final squad that will compete at Afcon in Morocco later in the year.
“For me, personally, it’s going to be a very interesting year. It’s not going to be easy,” Mbatha explained. “So, it’s something that I should be prepared for mentally.
“It’s a year where everything can happen in a blink of an eye or go down. So, I believe that I should continue to stay focused and work hard.
“We play a sport that has a short span, so I believe that if you take care of yourself, then I will be able to do the right things and achieve whatever I want to.”
Mbatha wants to work hard to ensure that he’s also considered for individual awards next season such as the Midfielder of the Season after missing out on a nomination last campaign.
“I wouldn’t put it that way, but I believe that I did what I needed to do during the season,” said Mbatha on whether he was disappointing with his omission.
“The people that are in the category, I think they also deserve it because they’ve actually been competing for their respective clubs.
“For me, it’s about continuing working hard, and who knows what will happen? As you know, I think of this as another stepping stone – I am still young and able to showcase my talent.”
𝐀 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭
Orlando Pirates players participated in a successful media drive in our 2025/26 kit, followed by an exclusive pre-screening of the upcoming documentary #GiantsonDStv
Don’t miss the official broadcast this Sunday, 27 July at 21:00 on… pic.twitter.com/cwwmlVNIQn
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 25, 2025
Mbatha has to double his efforts next season especially given that it won’t be easy for him to even break into the team after the club bolstered the squad with depth.
Pirates have signed 11 new players so far this window, including Sihle Nduli, Sipho Mbule, and Masindi Nemtajela who are direct competitors with Mbatha for a starting berth.
“They are healthy people, we have a healthy relationship with everyone that came in,” Mbatha explained.
“There’s no one who doesn’t believe in the vision that we have. We are all on the same page that we want to compete again.
“We came close to winning the league and CAF Champions League last season, so for us, it’s something that’s really important. Having them around will strengthen the team.”
Mbule and Nduli, notable, are set to be key in Pirates’ challenge for honours given their experiences from their previous clubs.
“It’s really important to have such players because they are used to winning,” Mbatha explained.
“Sipho Mbule, for example, was winning the league at (Mamelodi) Sundowns, so he knows what it takes to be able to win the league – he comes with the experience.
“We have Sihle Nduli who was playing for Stellenbosch – a team that was used to winning and giving all the top three teams a run for their money.”
