Orlando Pirates could face a difficult midfield selection decision when Thalente Mbatha returns from injury, but former Buccaneers star Mpho Makola believes coach Abdeslam Ouaddou should stick with the partnership that has been working.
Mbatha has been an important figure for Pirates in recent seasons, but his absence has opened the door for Mthetheleli Mthiyane and Thapelo Mokobodi to establish themselves in the middle of the park.
The pair have impressed since joining the club and, according to Makola, their understanding could make it difficult for Mbatha to immediately reclaim his place in the starting XI.
Makola backs Mthiyane and Mokobodi
Makola believes the chemistry between the two midfielders is a major reason behind their strong performances.
Although this is their first season together at Pirates, the pair already had a relationship from their time at Stellenbosch, something Makola says is evident whenever they play alongside each other.
“Look, I think the combination of Mthiyane and Mokobodi is very exciting,” Makola explained.
The former Pirates and Cape Town City midfielder also revealed that he has known Mokobodi since the midfielder’s days playing township football in Soweto.
Makola was particularly pleased to see Mokobodi eventually earn his opportunity at Pirates after developing through the South African football system.
Should Mbatha be dropped?
The biggest question now is what happens when Mbatha is fully fit.
The Bafana Bafana midfielder has established himself as an important player for Pirates, meaning Ouaddou could have a major selection call to make.
However, Makola believes the coach should resist the temptation to change a midfield that is already producing positive results.
“So, this is a good midfield partnership, and I would like to believe that the coach will continue with it even when Mbatha is back,” Makola said.
He acknowledged Mbatha’s importance to both Pirates and Bafana Bafana but argued that his status should not automatically guarantee him a starting place.
“You don’t have to fix it when it’s not broken,” Makola added.
Pirates face a midfield selection dilemma
Mbatha’s return could therefore create one of the more interesting selection battles at Pirates.
Mthiyane and Mokobodi now have an opportunity to make the midfield positions their own, while Mbatha will be looking to reclaim his place once he is cleared to return.
For Ouaddou, the challenge will be finding the right balance between rewarding current form and reintegrating an established player.
Should Mthiyane and Mokobodi keep their places when Thalente Mbatha returns, or does the Bafana midfielder walk straight back into the Pirates XI?
