Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana star Thalente Mbatha has responded to social media speculation about a supposed suspension over misconduct.
What could have possibly started out as banter among supporters on social media, owing to Mbatha's absence from the Pirates matchday squad against both Mamelodi Sundowns and Baroka FC, has spiraled into allegations of misconduct and reporting to training under the influence.
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The damaging claims have prompted the hard-running midfielder to take to social media platform Instagram to clear the air - assuring supporters there is no such.
"They said I am not training, you listen to everything, and I just came back from training. I don't know anything about being suspended," Mbatha said via Instagram Live.
"Everyone wants to say something about me, but I'm coming from training. I will see you guys [against Golden Arrows].
"I guess the person who said this knows better. Maybe he is the one who hired me, or he owns the club. You see when you are doing well, people will always want to say [things] they know nothing about. But what can we say? I just came from training. Even the team communicated that I was injured."
" You must have shares neh ",- Thalente Mbatha ?? https://t.co/rQ9BY4TZRw pic.twitter.com/GOsVdjGTri
— Maestro (@ManAnnonym) February 18, 2025
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The 24-year-old has been a notable absentee from Pirates' last two matches, but this website understands his absence has been due to nothing more than a light injury.
He is now available for selection as The Buccaneers take on Golden Arrows at Mpumalanga Stadium on Wednesday.
Kick-off is at 19:30.