KWAMASHU'S finest Thalente Mbatha of Orlando Pirates and Thabo Cele of Kaizer Chiefs to master the midfielder behind the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng and Gaston Sirino in the Nedbank Cup final. | ACM
Image: ACM
Thalente Mbatha and Thabo Cele, both sons of KwaMashu, will go head-to-head when Orlando Pirates take on Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Kick-off is set for 3.30pm on Saturday.
While the clash marks a major football occasion for the country, for the Durban township of KwaMashu, it’s a moment of pride as the current two of its most talented exports meet on the grandest stage in South African football.
Mbatha, who has quickly become a midfield mainstay for Pirates since joining from SuperSport United last season, acknowledged the magnitude of the moment, though he downplayed the idea of a personal duel.
“It’s something that’s really special for people that are coming from KwaMashu and the community,” said Mbatha.
“I wouldn’t say it’s really a battle because for us it’s to inspire the people that are coming from the community of KwaMashu, that it’s possible, black child. So I believe as Orlando Pirates we have prepared well and we have the right mentality.”
Both players are expected to play key roles in Saturday’s clash — Mbatha for his ability to dictate play and Cele for his energy and work rate in the Chiefs midfield.
Cele, 28, arrived at the Glamours Boys in the January transfer window but has quickly become one of the most integral components of the side.
He is an ever present figure with leadership qualities that have been immediately felt at the Soweto giants.
Mbatha, who could collect his third trophy with Pirates in just over a year, made it clear that his focus remains on the collective.
“I’m not going out alone there, we as Pirates are a family and winning the cup will be something that’s dear to us.”
The 25-year-old’s rise under coach Jose Riveiro has not gone unnoticed. He has since broken into the Bafana Bafana setup, scoring two goals in his first six appearances.
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele and Thalente Mbatha in action in the Soweto Derby at the FNB Stadium.
Image: Khabba Cup
“And for me coach has improved my football in a way that I didn’t think it would’ve been happened,” Mbatha said.
“For the coach to come from overseas and coach in South Africa, it’s something that is really inspiring for us. We believe that one day we will probably make it overseas.”
Mbatha, like Cele, will carry the hopes of a community with him into the final. And while both players will be focused on delivering for their respective clubs, their presence on the pitch serves as an inspiration to many back home.
For KwaMashu, there will be pride regardless of the result. But on Saturday, the township will be watching closely as two of its brightest talents face off under the spotlight in the famous 2010 Fifa World Cup venue.
Players stats this season:
Thalente Mbatha
Appearance: 38
Minutes played: 3016
Goals : 4
Assists: 1
Thabo Cele (Chiefs and Fakel Voronezh)
Appearance: 28
Minutes played: 1734
Goals: N/A
Assists: 1