Mbuthuma On His Brace As Pirates Beat Lioli

Striker Yanela Mbuthuma has spoken out after scoring his first two goals for Orlando Pirates in their comfortable 4-0 win against Lioli FC on Saturday.

Mbuthuma, who was signed from Richards Bay during the off-season, scored two quick-fire goals at Orlando Stadium as the Buccaneers hammered the Lesotho side 4-0 and 7-0 on aggregate.

The win secured Pirates’ place in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, adding to their 3-0 first-leg victory.

With the two-legged tie halfway completed, Mbuthuma entered the fray with his side already two goals up, thanks to a Tshepang Moremi brace. He came on in what was effectively the last quarter of the tie.

The former Natal Rich Boyz striker went on to emulate his teammate by getting on the end of a cross from Thabiso Lebitso in the 78th minute, before completing his brace with an effort just in front of the goal two minutes later.

“I’m really happy with the two goals I scored. They were pushing me in training, telling me that I’d get a chance when I play,” Mbuthuma told Pirates TV.

“So, today [Saturday] I’m really happy, I can’t believe it, I’m really happy.”

The striker’s brace now gives him two goals in three competitive appearances for the Soweto giants. He has faced stiff competition for minutes from the experienced duo of Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa.

The Bucs faithful will be hoping that the depth in their forward line can help extend their eight-game winning streak. The Soweto giants next host TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.

Article by Sompisi Ntuli