Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha has refuted claims that he arrived drunk to training and has been suspended by his club.

Reports from local media stated that Mbatha was unable to participate in training recently after arriving under the influence.

Mbatha rubbished the claims through an Instagram Live session, while in a great mood whilst sitting in his car.

“They said I’m not training… You’re listening to everything,” he said, according to iDiski Times.

“I just came back from training. I don’t know a thing about being suspended. People can say whatever about me, but I’m coming from training.

“I guess the person who started all this knows better. I guess he’s the one who hired me, he’s the owner.”

The player’s agent Mike Makaab also took to social media and demanded a public apology otherwise legal action will be taken.

“It is deeply disappointing to see defamatory and unfounded allegations being made about a professional footballer’s character and conduct,” Makaab wrote online.

“The claim that Thalente Mbatha arrived at training under the influence is completely false. 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.”