Ouaddou Backs Mbuthuma Amid Growing Pressure From Pirates Fans
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has leapt to the defense of striker Yanela Mbuthuma, stating that while critics focus solely on goal tallies, football technicians appreciate the forward’s overall contribution to the team’s tactical structure.
Mbuthuma, who joined the Buccaneers at the start of last season, faced intense online criticism from sections of fans following missed opportunities in recent outings.
Critics appeared to overlook his direct contribution on Tuesday at Kings Park Stadium, where he provided the assist in Pirates’ 1-1 draw against AmaZulu before seeing a late strike tipped onto the upright by goalkeeper Faveur Kouassi.
Despite failing to find the net in Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Chippa United in Durban, Mbuthuma received a warm reception from the travelling support, who chanted his name as he was substituted in the second half.
“If I take Mbuthuma as an example, if you watch the game properly and analyse it as a technician, this guy is doing well for the team,” Ouaddou said.
“Of course, we are expecting efficiency in the final third. But we cannot kill a fantastic player with a lot of hope and a lot of future for Pirates.”
There was also a show of support for Mbuthuma from the Pirates faithful. Fans sang his name during the warm-up and again when he was substituted in the second half.
Ouaddou, who last season became the first Pirates manager since Ruud Krol to secure a domestic treble, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Durban faithful for lifting the young forward’s spirits.
“The guy is in a difficult moment, so we have to support him. And really, really, from the bottom of my heart, I thank the fans in Durban. They sang for him,” Ouaddou said.
“It was a very strong message. You could see that the boy was flying. He heard those fantastic words coming from the stands, and that is how it should be when we support the team.”
Pirates now turn their attention to the first leg of the MTN8 semi-finals against Sekhukhune United this coming weekend, where Mbuthuma will aim to break his goal drought as the Buccaneers pursue an unprecedented fifth consecutive Wafa Wafa title.
