“He Is Your Son” – Ouaddou’s Emotional Message To Fans Over Mbuthuma
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made a passionate plea to the Ghost to rally behind striker Yanela Mbuthuma, insisting that sustained support from the stands is the key to unlocking the forward’s full potential.
The 24-year-old, who arrived from Richards Bay during the off-season, has found himself under the microscope during a lean spell in front of goal.
While the Buccaneers have been rampant—netting 11 goals in their last two outings—Mbuthuma has struggled to get on the scoresheet, sparking social media scrutiny over his finishing.
However, the tide appeared to turn at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday. Despite his drought, fans inside the arena vocally backed the striker, applauding his work rate and link-up play during the 5-0 thrashing of Golden Arrows.
With four goals and two assists in the Betway Premiership, Mbuthuma remains a tactical favorite for the technical team.
His ability to lead the line has kept Bafana Bafana international Evidence Makgopa on the bench, suggesting his value extends far beyond the stat sheet.
“The fans have to understand that Mbuthuma is their son, and they have to support him so that he will help the team,” he said.
“He is doing a fantastic job, you see, he improved a lot in terms of the game, especially how he plays his football, the touches, and the mobility between the lines.
“But of course we need goals, they will come, and if our fans show him love and support, I’m 100 percent sure that things will come right, but I was really happy about the support of the fans today (on Tuesday).”
Ouaddou also emphasized that the team’s current ruthlessness is about more than just three points—it’s about the title race’s final margins.
“It is important for teams that are ambitious and playing to be in the first position,” he added.
“I think this gives trust, confidence, and the goal difference will be very important at the end of the season. So, for my boys, I told them every game we have to play with a very strong fighting spirit until the last second of the last game.
“We want this mentality because we don’t want to have any regrets at the end of the season. So, for us, we have to challenge ourselves to go until the end of the season.”
The Buccaneers now travel to the Umhlathuze Sports Complex this Friday. For Mbuthuma, the clash against his former employers, Richards Bay, presents the perfect narrative backdrop to finally end his goal drought.
