Soweto Derby: Mbatha ready for ‘healthy rivalry’ with Cele despite ‘divisive move’

Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha is delighted with Thabo Cele’s move to Kaizer Chiefs, insisting his boyhood friend deserves fine things.

The Bafana Bafana international was among the three experienced players unveiled by the Glamour Boys on Monday. The other two are former SuperSport United forward Tashreeq Morris and versatile Congolese winger Glody Makabi Lilepo.

The trio might debut on Saturday in the Soweto Derby between Amakhosi and Bucs that will be staged at the FNB Stadium. Mbatha is anticipating an exciting contest against Cele who is expected to start.

The duo know each other, explaining why the Sea Robbers man termed the contest between them as a ‘healthy rivalry.’

Cele’s move to Chiefs has divided our township – Mbatha

“I am really happy for him. He’s one person who has always been determined. He’s passionate about football. Even when he was playing in Europe, he’d assemble us to train together ekasi [in our township]. He’s always been pushing,” Mbatha told the media.

“Thabo and I grew up in the same environment because we are from the same G Section in KwaMashu but he’s from Area 3 and I am from Area 4. I can say that his move to Chiefs has already divided our township because I am seeing people’s statuses on WhatsApp already picking sides.

“There has always been a healthy rivalry between our areas as far as football is concerned, it was always a healthy challenge because we always believed that we could conquer our areas and they also believed the same when we played games against each other.

“We normally talk when one person isn’t playing to motivate each other. Yes, we don’t talk every day but we do video calls now and then, especially to lift each other when one is going through the most. He pushed me to work hard here at Pirates, telling me that I should grab the opportunity with both hands,” the 24-year-old concluded.