Thalente Mbatha Reveals Orlando Pirates’ Game Plan Ahead of Pivotal CAF Semi-Final in Cairo

Thalente Mbatha has shed light on Orlando Pirates’ tactical mindset as they gear up for a decisive second leg against Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League semi-final. With the fixture finely poised at 0-0 after the first leg at FNB Stadium, the Buccaneers head to Cairo knowing a place in the final—and a potential second star—is on the line.

The goalless draw in Johannesburg has set up what head coach Jose Riveiro described as a “tricky” scenario for both sides. The return fixture at the 30 June Stadium on Friday evening (20:00 SA time) will demand nothing short of excellence from Pirates if they are to advance.

Mbatha, who has been a key figure in the Pirates midfield throughout their continental campaign, remains optimistic. Drawing from the team’s strong away form, which has seen them win all but two games on the road in this season’s competition, he believes Pirates can rise to the occasion in hostile territory.

“So, since we’ve been playing away and we’ve been winning, so we take that as an advantage for us. Because we’ve gone to Cairo, and we’ve been able to get the result,” Mbatha said in a post-match interview with the club’s media team.

He emphasized the importance of consistency and mental fortitude: “It’s to focus and continue with the mentality that we have because we’ve been unbeaten in the CAF Champions League. So, for us, it’s to go back to Cairo and do the same – apply the same mentality.”

Reflecting on the first-leg tactics, Mbatha acknowledged that the Egyptian visitors had executed a defensive game plan, relying heavily on man-marking and counter-attacks. He pointed out a specific vulnerability: “The right wing wasn’t tracking back with our left-back, so I believe that was their own mentality because they’re playing away. They were trying to secure the one point that they already have.”

As nerves begin to mount over the prospect of lifting a second CAF Champions League trophy, Mbatha and his teammates appear focused and ready to seize the moment. With the spotlight now shifting to Cairo, all eyes will be on whether Pirates can turn their solid away form into a historic result.