Orlando Pirates star Thalente Mbatha and his agent have slammed reports that the midfielder turned up for training under the influence of alcohol.
Mbatha has been absent from Pirates’ last two matches against Mamelodi Sundowns and Baroka with reports saying he was nursing an injury, but on Tuesday, social media was awash with claims that he had actually reported to training while drunk.
The reports further claimed that the Pirates management was left stunned by the midfielder’s behaviour, suspending him from training and matches, and are planning to introduce mandatory breathalyzer tests for all players.
However, Mbatha has laughed off the allegations, claiming the reports are coming from people who just want to bring him down because he is doing well at Pirates.
What has Mbatha said after the alcohol claims?
“They say I am not training, you listen to everything. I just came back from training now, people can say whatever about me, but I’m coming from training. You guys will see me against Golden Arrows,” Mbatha said in a clip posted on social media on Tuesday.
“I guess the person who said this knows better, maybe he is the one who hired me, or he owns the club. You see when you are doing well, people will always want to do things to bring you down.
“What I want to say, guys, is that I am from training, and in the past matches, I was injured, even the team said I was injured. I am fit for tomorrow [Wednesday], if they put me in the team, I am playing,” the former SuperSport midfielder added, expressing confidence of making the matchday squad away to Golden Arrows on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Mbatha’s agent Mike Makaab, CEO of Prosport International Agency, has also refuted the claims and threatened to take legal action.
Makaab breathes fire over drink allegations
“It is deeply disappointing to see defamatory and unfounded allegations being made about a professional footballer’s character and conduct,” Makaab posted on X.
“The claim that Thalente Mbatha arrived at training under the influence is completely false. Thalente was injured and has since resumed training with his team. Any suggestion that his absence was due to serious misconduct is not only damaging to his reputation but also defamatory.
“We demand a public apology on social media to the player, his family, and his club. Should this not be forthcoming, we reserve all rights to pursue appropriate legal action. Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democracy, but it does not extend to the spread of baseless falsehoods that harm an individual’s reputation.”
Mbatha’s absence has been felt by Pirates
Pirates are yet to issue any update regarding the allegations but coach Jose Riveiro will likely face questions over the issue on Wednesday when his team face Golden Arrows at the Mpumalanga Stadium.
Mbatha has been a key player for Pirates since joining the club, initially on loan from SuperSport in January 2024, before making the move permanent before the start of last season.
He has played 24 games this season, scoring four goals while providing one assist, his partnership veteran Makhehlene Makhaula in central midfield making Pirates hard to beat.
His absence in the last two matches has, however, been felt as Kableo Dlamini has struggled alongside Makhaula and Riveiro will hope to have him soon in the squad.
