“Don’t Put Pressure On Yourself”: Mbuthuma Breaks Silence After Silencing Pirates Critics
Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma says forwards must not put unnecessary pressure on themselves after responding to criticism with a brace against Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old has endured a difficult start to the season, with his inability to convert clear chances and find the back of the net drawing criticism from some Pirates supporters.
Mbuthuma had started every match since the beginning of the campaign, but despite regularly finding himself in promising positions, he struggled to turn those opportunities into goals. That increased the pressure on the striker, although some supporters continued to back him during the difficult period.
Rather than allowing the criticism to affect him, Mbuthuma believes a striker must remain patient because opportunities will always come.
“I’m very happy that some fans were with me and supporting me,” he told Pirates TV.
“It’s not easy to be a striker, so you don’t need to put pressure on yourself as a striker.
“As a striker, it depends on each game, and chances always come. That’s why I managed to convert those chances against Kruger United, and I am very happy.”
Mbuthuma’s performance against Kruger United also continued what has been a significant turnaround over his last two matches.
Over the weekend, he played an important role in Pirates’ second-leg semifinal victory over Sekhukhune United. Although he did not score, he produced an excellent performance and assisted two goals.
Pirates will now turn their attention to the CAF Champions League, travelling to Mauritius on Sunday to face La Cure Sylvester in the first leg of the first preliminary round.
Mbuthuma will head into this weekend’s Champions League clash with renewed confidence after contributing to four goals in his last two matches. His two Champions League goals last season should also further boost his belief ahead of the trip to Mauritius.
The former Richards Bay talisman scored against Lioli FC and Saint-Eloi Lupopo last season, although Pirates were eventually eliminated by Lupopo in the second preliminary round.
