Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has thanked the club’s Durban-based supporters for the backing they have shown Yanela Mbuthuma during a difficult spell in front of goal.
Pirates camped in Durban for their two matches against AmaZulu on Wednesday and Chippa United on Sunday, with Mbuthuma starting both encounters. The 24-year-old forward came under particular scrutiny after missing several clear-cut opportunities in the 1-1 draw against AmaZulu.
Mbuthuma joined Pirates from Richards Bay last season and made a valuable contribution during the club’s domestic treble-winning campaign. He scored five goals in 24 Betway Premiership appearances, while also finding the net three times in the CAF Champions League.
That takes Mbuthuma’s tally to eight goals in 36 appearances for the Buccaneers to date.
Despite the scrutiny surrounding his finishing, Ouaddou believes Mbuthuma’s overall contribution should not be overlooked, particularly given his potential and the role he can play for Pirates in the future.
“If I take the example of Mbuthuma, properly, if you analyse the game as a technician, this guy is doing well for the team,” Ouaddou said.
“Of course, now we are expecting this efficiency in the last part of the pitch, but we cannot kill a fantastic player with a lot of hope, a lot of future for Pirates, just because the guy is in a moment that is a bit difficult for him. We have to support him.”
Ouaddou was particularly appreciative of the support Mbuthuma received from Pirates supporters in Durban, including a gesture in which fans presented the forward with flowers.
“Really, really, really, I thank, from the deepest of my heart, the fans of Golden, because just the flowers that they sent him today, it’s a very strong message,” Ouaddou said.
“You can see the boy was flying because he heard these fantastic words coming from the stands. It’s what it should be when we support the team.”
For Ouaddou, the support is important at a time when Mbuthuma is under pressure to rediscover his scoring touch. The Pirates coach believes the forward’s current difficulties in front of goal should not overshadow what he has already contributed to the club or the potential he still possesses.
With Pirates facing another demanding campaign, Ouaddou’s message is clear: Mbuthuma needs encouragement rather than condemnation as he looks to rediscover the goalscoring form that made him an important part of the Buccaneers’ success last season.
Written by: Sandile Ndumo
