WATCH: Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha and his agent respond to 'defamatory' allegations of him attending training under the influence of alcohol - 'When you are doing well, people will always want to bring you down'

Following rumours that Thalente Mbatha arrived at the club's training session intoxicated, the Orlando Pirates midfielder and his agent Mike Makaab have publicly refuted the matter on social media.

The 24-year-old was shaken by serious media allegations on Tuesday morning, stating that he reported to training under the influence of alcohol on Monday.

Consequently, a surprised Mbatha and Makaab have reacted to those serious claims and demanded a public apology from the accusers.

"They say I am not training, you listen to everything. I just came back from training now, People can say whatever about me, but I’m coming from training. You guys will see me against Golden Arrows," Mbatha said. 

"I guess the person who said this knows better, maybe he is the one who hired me, or he owns the club. You see when you are doing well, people will always want to do things to bring you down.

"What I want to say, guys, is that I am from training, and in the past matches, I was injured, even the team said I was injured. I am fit for tomorrow, if they put me in the team, I am playing." 

Mbatha's agent Mike Makaab, the CEO of Prosport International Agency, has also demanded a public apology on social media.

"It is deeply disappointing to see defamatory and unfounded allegations being made about a professional footballer’s character and conduct. The claim that Thalente Mbatha arrived at training under the influence is completely false," Makaab wrote on his X account.

"Thalente was injured and has since resumed training with his team. Any suggestion that his absence was due to serious misconduct is not only damaging to his reputation but also defamatory.

"We demand a public apology on social media to the player, his family, and his club. Should this not be forthcoming, we reserve all rights to pursue appropriate legal action. Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democracy, but it does not extend to the spread of baseless falsehoods that harm an individual’s reputation."

Mbatha joined Pirates from SuperSport United on loan in January 2024 before making his permanent transfer to the Sea Robbers at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.

The midfield maestro has been a consistent starter in Jose Riveiro’s team this season, having featured in 27 matches and netted four goals across all competitions.

His consistently impressive performances attracted Hugo Broos’ attention, leading to his first Bafana Bafana call-up in August last year.

It remains to be seen whether Mbatha’s accusers will issue a public apology as requested, before Makaab and his team take legal action against them.

Mbatha will aim to make it to the matchday squad when Pirates lock horns with Golden Arrows in a PSL clash on Wednesday at the Mpumalanga Stadium.