Richards Bay FC game, a good build-up to the MTN8 final - Thalente Mbatha

Pirates will attempt to win their historic third Wafa-Wafa title in a row at the Moses Mabhida stadium next Saturday, when they play against Stellenbosch FC in that final. 

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Mbatha, who also hails from KwaMashu in Durban, feels that the Richards Bay game offers them an opportunity to feel the atmosphere in Durban.

''Because we will be able to see the climax fill the wind, fill everything that will happen there during the final. Even though we will be playing at 15:00 and the final is at 18:00, I think it is something we need to take into consideration that we will be playing in Durban in the same atmosphere. It is a good thing that we are going there before the final,'' said Mbatha.

A win for Pirates in this game, will also see them maintaining their 100 percent winning run so far in the league and be tied with Sundowns on nine points. Mbatha emphasizes the importance of building on their winning streak.

''For us it is not a secret that we want to win every game. The coach tells us everyday that we should apply ourselves into winning every game.  So going to Durban will help us a lot,'' added Mbatha.

Teams in the PSL’s elite division have proven to be stubborn this season, and already there’s been some surprising results in the first three matches played.

This is something Mbatha has also picked up.

''Each game is not going to be an easy game, so we have to apply properly and have the right mentality. Because, every team is playing games to win,'' he expressed. 

Mbatha, who played his amateur football in Durban before moving to Highlands Park in Johannesburg, has identified his former teammate at Durban FC, Langelihle Mhlongo, as the player to look for in the Natal Rich Boyz team.