Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha has opened up on the challenges of returning from injury ahead of the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mbatha sustained a knee injury earlier in the season and returned to full training after recovering.

The 24-year-old could be in line to return when the Buccaneers take on the Brazilians in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

With the support of the club’s medical team and valuable preparation matches, Mbatha believes he is gradually rebuilding his confidence and match fitness.

“It’s a difficult situation, and it’s a difficult journey, but I believe that the team and the support that I got from the medical team really helped me,” Mbatha told the media.

“Coming from an injury is something that’s not really easy; sometimes you fear putting weight on the leg because it’s a difficult situation, and it tells on you mentally. So, I believe the preparation games help us a lot in getting that match fitness.”