This will mark Thalente Mbatha's second cup final since his arrival at Orlando Pirates, and he has expressed the significance of the upcoming MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC for him this weekend.
Having joined the Buccaneers on loan in January of this year, Mbatha was a key contributor to the team's victory in the Nedbank Cup final held in Mbombela in June, where they triumphed over Mamelodi Sundowns.
He played a crucial role in that match, completing the full 90 minutes as the team secured a 2-1 victory to claim the trophy.
Mbatha says playing in his hometown, Durban will add a special dimension to the MTN8 final for him.
MBATHA EXPLAINS WHY PLAYING MTN8 FINAL WILL BE SPECIAL FOR HIM
“Yeah, it’s really special for me and it’s something that I could never have dreamed of,” Mbatha told iDiski Times.
“So I think it’s again, where I should also apply myself and have the right mentality and the right attitude for it.
“As a team we like to win awards, we like to win trophies. So it’s something that we as a team have in mind now that we should win our third MTN8 final in a row, which I think we’re going to be the first team to do it in the PSL.
“So I think it’s something that we also know, not putting too much pressure on us, but it’s something that we all work towards.
Mbatha feels being supported by family and friends will help him elevate his game on the day.
“Yeah, obviously a lot of people want the tickets, especially because I’m coming to play in my hometown,” he added.
“So I think it’s something that is really good, that you have too many supporters around you and people that want genuine things and want genuine trophies for you. So I think it’s something that’s really good and keeps pushing me.”
