After spending just half a season at Orlando Pirates, midfielder Thalente Mbatha has already attracted European interest, according to insiders privy to information.
Siya sources close to the player and the club have indicated that there are currently two clubs that have inquired about the former SuperSport United midfielder.
One club, in particular, is from the Championship in England, and the team is very keen on the KwaZulu-Natal born player.
"It all started when they came back from the pre-season in Spain. There were actually three teams at first which showed interest in him but for now I can tell you that the main one is from the Championship. Those ones have even inquired about him and they could soon make a follow-up. And it could work very well for him if the national team coach selects him for the Bafana squad because that would enhance his chances. Yes, it's the English side but at the moment I am not at liberty to say which club," said the Siya source.
However, a second source stated that with Pirates playing in the CAF Champions League and all the local tournaments, they think it is unlikely that they can let Mbatha go at this point.
"You see, as for Mbatha and Tshegofatso (Mabasa ), the club is not ready to release or sell them at this time. They are part of the team's backbone going forward and both the technical team and management want to have them in the team as they fight to win trophies, mainly the league and go far in the CAF Champions League. So, yes, I can tell you there is interest but letting him go will only happen if the money is really good," the second source stated.
Soccer Laduma contacted Orlando Pirates for comment, but there was no response at the time of publishing this story.
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