Orlando Pirates coach Abdelslam Waddu explained why midfielder Talente Mbata did not play in the match against TS Galaxy, as the 'Buccaneers' are shifting their focus to the CAF Champions League.
Mbata recently returned from injury in the MTN8 tournament final against Mamelodi Sundowns last Saturday, having been away from play for about two months. His impressive performance in the loss raised hopes for his participation in Tuesday's match against TS Galaxy, but Waddu decided not to risk the midfielder.
The Moroccan coach stated that after returning from the World Cup with the national team, Mbata underwent surgery and worked diligently on restoring his physical condition. After Tuesday's match, Waddu said: 'When he returned from the national team, he had surgery, and we did everything to get him back in terms of rehabilitation, and I think it was a surprise to you to see him in the MTN8 final.'
He continued: 'I was very impressed by his performance in the final. I haven't seen such quality from Mbata in a long time. High level, so we don't want to risk Mbata. He is an important player for us, and we played two days after (the MTN8 final), and we don't want to risk him,' added the coach.
Now the 'Pirates' will travel to Botswana to face Namibia's African Stars in the first match of their second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League 2026/27 on Saturday. The 'Buccaneers' aim to reach the group stage and will want to achieve a positive result in the return match at Orlando Stadium Arena on October 23.
Given that two matches are taking place consecutively, managing Mbata's workload will be crucial as Waddu tries to balance the midfielder's recovery with the 'Pirates'' ambitions on the continental stage.