sportskeeda
Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha expressed profound gratitude towards outgoing coach Jose Riveiro, crediting him with significantly “shaping my football career” and transforming him “from nobody to somebody.”
Riveiro is set to depart from Pirates at the end of his three-season stint with the Soweto club, during which he has guided the team to five trophy victories so far.
The Spanish coach has an opportunity to secure a sixth trophy as Pirates prepare to face their arch-rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday at 15:30.
Mbatha joined Pirates on loan from SuperSport United during the latter part of the previous season. Prior to this transfer, he had participated in just 29 matches without scoring for the Tshwane-based club over three and a half seasons.
However, Mbatha made such a significant impact at Pirates that the club decided to make his transfer permanent during the off-season. He played in 15 matches, notably winning the man-of-the-match award during Pirates’ Nedbank Cup final triumph against Mamelodi Sundowns at Mbombela Stadium last season.
Mbatha is now viewed as a crucial player in the Orlando Pirates midfield and has also made notable contributions to the national team setup. He scored two essential goals in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers—against Uganda and Sudan in September of the previous year.
Both goals were dramatic; one secured a 2-2 draw against Uganda at Orlando Stadium, while the other resulted in a 3-2 away victory over South Sudan.
“I am truly grateful to the coach and the team for this opportunity,” Mbatha told Sportswire on Thursday. “I never doubted my talent, but I understand that everything happens in its own time. The coach has influenced my football in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It’s inspiring to see a coach from abroad have such a considerable effect on South African football, encouraging us to believe we can also achieve success overseas one day.”
The announcement from Riveiro on April 3 regarding his departure surprised many within the football community. Mbatha, whose career has positively transformed under the Spanish coach, was asked if he felt any disappointment upon hearing the news.
“He didn’t inform us directly about his exit; we also learned about it through the club’s official statement,” Mbatha clarified. He has played in 54 matches for Pirates, netting five goals and providing three assists since joining.
“However, that’s not our main focus. As players, we understand the importance of professionalism, and our attention remains fully on the game [this Saturday].”
