Orlando Pirates have reportedly put a R20 million price tag on midfielder Thalente Mbatha who is attracting interest from European clubs.
Mbatha has become a prominent member of coach Jose Riveiro’s team and also broken into the Bafana Bafana team and with his impressive performances, a number of clubs from overseas have taken notice.
Soccer Laduma reports that an English Championship side has expressed interest in the midfielder and with Pirates keen not to lose one of their prized assets easily, they have put the hefty price tag on his head to test the resolve of the interested club.
“The team is getting ready for any offer that may come around so that they can counter offer it and that is why they have come up with their calculations and found out that he is worth R20 million,” a source told Soccer Laduma.
How are Pirates handling interest in Mbatha?
“That is not just an European price tag, it is for any team that would be interested in him as well. But you know at times, when it comes to a move to Europe, and mainly England, the price would go up with what they call add-ons.
“But for now, he is worth around R20 million according to the club and they could be happy to let him go for that amount as he deserves it.”
Mbatha has been vital for Pirates so far this season, featuring in 20 matches and scoring three goals, while he played four matches for Bafana Bafana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, all as a substitute, but netted two crucial goals.
The former SuperSport United ace scored the equaliser for South Africa in their 2-2 draw with Uganda before netting the winner when Hugo Broos’ men beat South Sudan 3-2, both in September last year.
