Thalente Mbatha explains how CAF Champions League will benefit him as individual

Published on by Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha has revealed the personal advantages he anticipates gaining from participating in the CAF Champions League.

The 24-year-old midfield maestro was signed permanently by Buccaneers this transfer window having spent the second round of the last season on loan from SuperSport United.

He seems to be gradually earning his place as a regular in the line up for Ezimnyama Ngenkani.

Mbatha believes taking on clubs in Africa, who have players who are aggressive by nature, will enhance his capacity to handle physical challenges. He is confident that this experience will yield positive results in domestic football.

THALENTE MBATHA ON HOW HE WILL BENEFIT FROM CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

“This is something to be grateful for. It's not going to be an easy one because Africa is where you meet other great players,” Mbatha told Soccer Laduma.

“I think it's going to help me too much because it's a physical tournament, so it's something that's going to even help us in the league and in terms of aggressiveness.

Pirates are taking on the Madagascar club CNaPS Sport on Sunday, 18 August at National Sports Complex Pitch 1 in Mauritius. The match kicks off at 3 pm.

Mbatha says not knowing the opponents makes the clash a difficult one.

“It's not an easy opponent. That's what they told us. We don't know much about them, but they have a great team and great facilities as they told us that we would be playing on astroturf, so it's a different feeling because we don't have grounds that are astroturf here. We just need to prepare ourselves.”

Jose Riveiro’s troops will aim to get the better of the Madagascan side before they meet them again in the return leg which will be held on Friday, 23 August.

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Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Nkosiyabuya Sithole, a young and rising sports journalist based in Durban, South Africa, harbors a deep passion for football. Nevertheless, he aspires to become a well-rounded journalist, adept in various areas of the field.

Nkosi's career began in 2020, working as a home-based writer during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since written for various websites, including Briefly News, FiND-iT News, and The South African. Attending live sporting events is a particular pleasure for him, as they provide opportunities for interaction with sports personalities.

Outside of the office, he's a God-fearing and affable young man.