Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha has responded to reports that Championship outfit Cardiff City are considering signing him.
Mbatha has been a key player at Bucs since mid-last season when he joined on loan, initially, from SuperSport United, before getting a permanent contract in the ongoing transfer window.
The 24-year-old has been consistently delivering for the Soweto giants and this season, he has already played four games across all competitions.
Will Mbatha leave the Buccaneers for Cardiff?
South Africa coach Hugo Broos has included the Pirates star in his squad to play in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Bafana Bafana host Uganda Cranes on September 6 before playing South Sudan away four days later.
On Monday's presser, Mbatha was asked about the possibility of joining the Welsh team, but he was not so direct with his feelings, saying it is only the Soweto giants who can decide that.
“My focus is at Pirates; I just recently got myself a contract at Pirates, so I think everything I am doing is for them and they are the ones who are going to decide what's going to happen in the near future. But my focus is with Pirates,” the defensive midfielder stated.
How was it playing in the Caf Champions League?
Mbatha made his continental debut in the Caf Champions League against the Magalasy side CS Disciples.
After a goalless draw in the first leg, the Jose Riveiro-led team managed to get a 4-0 win in the second one to set a date with Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana.
“I could say that it helped me a lot because I got to experience another level of football,” Mbatha stated.
“The Champions League is not an easy level to play at, so I think it is something that is going to help me going forward. Getting the experience and learning more about the soccer industry. So I think it is where I also have to push and tell myself that it is just the beginning.”
