Pirates’ Mbatha ready to avenge Sekhukhune defeat in PSL: We’ve to get maximum points

Bafana Bafana midfielder Thalente Mbatha is optimistic Orlando Pirates will start 2026 on a high as they prepare to face Sekhukhune United on Sunday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

In the last Premier Soccer League meeting, Babina Noko claimed a 1-0 win at the Orlando Stadium. Interestingly, it was the second time in a row they had defeated the Sea Robbers, having registered the same result in their initial meeting in the competition.

Under former Bucs coach Eric Tinkler, Sekhukhune United have been pushing for the South African top-tier title. Currently, they are placed fourth on the table with 25 points after 14 games, just four behind Mamelodi Sundowns.

Pirates are second with 28 points from the 12 matches they have played in the 2025/26 campaign.

Mbatha ready to avenge Bucs loss against Sekhukhune

In the last five meetings between the sides, in the Premier Soccer League, Babina Noko have managed to get three wins with the Sea Robbers getting two victories, showing how tight the Sunday game is expected to be.

South Africa international midfielder Mbatha is optimistic Pirates will not drop points this weekend since they have had enough time to prepare.

“I believe that we will continue where we left off before the break. We plan to continue winning games. As you know, we lost our first league game of the season against Sekhukhune [in August]. We believe that we have to do better when we face them on Saturday. We have to get maximum points,” he told the media.

“Everyone came back in good shape. The whole squad is available for the coach for selection, and that’s good for us going into the second round of the season. We are just waiting for the first game against Sekhukhune, and see how it goes,” Mbatha concluded.