Thalente Mbatha

Thalente Mbatha is a South African defensive midfielder who joined Orlando Pirates in January 2024 and scored on his international debut for Bafana Bafana against Uganda in September 2024. He was selected for both the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mbatha began his senior career at Highlands Park before moving to SuperSport United (2020–2024), where he made 23 appearances. He joined Orlando Pirates in early 2024 and swiftly became a first-team regular, making 42 appearances and contributing 4 goals as the club won the 2025–26 South African Premiership.

He made an immediate impact on his Bafana Bafana debut in September 2024, scoring against Uganda, and has gone on to earn 10 senior caps and 3 international goals.