4 days ago
New coach Abdeslam Ouaddou leads Orlando Pirates as Thalente Mbatha sets personal targets
His skillset was also honed by coach Jose Riveiro who's since left the club and joined Egyptian Al Ahly club.
Since arriving at Pirates 18 months ago, Mbatha has embodied his name - showcasing his talent and endearing himself to the football fraternity.
Orlando Pirates' midfielder Thalente Mbatha says he should be mentally strong and focused next season if he's to achieve the targets he's set for himself.
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New coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has also rolled his sleeves and quickly got to work as he led the team when they intensified their preparations for next season with a two-week tour of Spain.
Pirates needed the tour as they must be at their best next season and compete for all trophies up for grabs, including the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League.
Mbatha, moreover, has to be at his best in club football to ensure that he makes Bafana Bafana final squad that will compete at Afcon in Morocco later in the year.
'For me, personally, it's going to be a very interesting year. It's not going to be easy,' Mbatha explained. 'So, it's something that I should be prepared for mentally.
'It's a year where everything can happen in a blink of an eye or go down. So, I believe that I should continue to stay focused and work hard.
'We play a sport that has a short span, so I believe that if you take care of yourself, then I will be able to do the right things and achieve whatever I want to.'
Mbatha wants to work hard to ensure that he's also considered for individual awards next season such as the Midfielder of the Season after missing out on a nomination last campaign.
'I wouldn't put it that way, but I believe that I did what I needed to do during the season,' said Mbatha on whether he was disappointing with his omission.
'The people that are in the category, I think they also deserve it because they've actually been competing for their respective clubs.
'For me, it's about continuing working hard, and who knows what will happen? As you know, I think of this as another stepping stone - I am still young and able to showcase my talent.'
