Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha’s stellar performance has caught the eyes of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos who has included him in his 38-member preliminary squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The 24-year-old joins six other fellow Buccaneer players who are part of Broos’ initial team that is preparing to take on Uganda on 6 September at Orlando Stadium and on 10 September will then travel to South Sudan for their second match.
Mbatha joined Pirates during the January transfer window on a six-month loan deal, he quickly became an integral part of the team earning 12 starts and helping them to finish second on the log. His Man of the Match performance in the final against Mamelodi Sundowns ensured that they successfully defended their Nedbank Cup trophy, his first piece of silverware.
Following his impressive showings in the first six months with the Soweto Giants, the KwaMashu-born star was rewarded with a three-year contract. He recently made his CAF Champions League debut this past Sunday when he came in as a substitute to replace Makhehlene Makhaula in the 0-0 draw against Disciples FC.
Amongst other players who are set to make their national team is Stellenbosch FC’s most sought-after defender Fawaaz Basadien who has been a backbone of the team’s recent success including lifting their first top-flight trophy, the Carling Knockout Cup last season as well as securing a third-place finish in the league last season.
Dutch-based player Simon van Duivenbooden who plays for Vitesse was a surprise inclusion as little is known about him. The 22-year-old striker made 35 appearances and netted 24 goals while playing for the club’s under-21 team. His height will be instrumental in Bafana’s front.
Written by Siphesihle Soni