“We Will Not Kill Him”: Ouaddou Backs Under-Fire Mbuthuma Amid Fan Backlash
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has insisted the club will continue to support striker Yanela Mbuthuma despite growing criticism from supporters over his recent form, stating he will not “kill his talent” over missed chances.
Mbuthuma has endured a frustrating start to the campaign, failing to score in his opening four appearances across all competitions. However, the former Richards Bay forward is expected to lead the line on Saturday when Pirates host Sekhukhune United in the MTN8 semi-final first leg at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
With Evidence Makgopa sidelined through injury and new arrival Sebastian Pedersen still adapting to South African football, Mbuthuma remains Ouaddou’s primary attacking option.
Despite the goal drought, Ouaddou emphasized that the 24-year-old’s off-the-ball work rate and pressing remain vital to the team’s tactical structure.
“The player is interested in how we want to play,” said Ouaddou.
“The amount of work that is done without the ball. So now we cannot take out the things that are important for our team.
“Of course, I shared that with you and, at the end of the season, we are looking for stats, we are looking for data, the number of goals.
“There are two thoughts: either we take out the boy and put him on the side, or we keep bringing him in. Maybe you can give him some confidence, but on the side, nobody can predict.
“Nobody can kill his confidence as well. So, we have chosen, not only me, but the team also working together. Pirates, the thought doesn’t only affect one person; we are working as a collective.
“We have decided to keep trusting him and give him a chance. Because if he was not good in the game, not scoring, maybe we could take the decision to let him down.
“But I told him that, in a proper game, he is doing well and, yes, we are expecting the goals. I want him to be clear about that. Because you asked me the question, like I told you, I’m the honest coach and I will try to answer you.
“I hope people will not interpret what I’m saying because it is easy to interpret and to say what I didn’t say. But he is a player of Orlando Pirates; we have a project; we have a vision.
“We know players can have difficult moments, but we are here to support them. We are here as a father, here as a brother, and we don’t have a choice.
“I cannot kill the talent. Never in my career as a coach can I kill [a player’s confidence]. I need to believe and keep believing in him. Until when? After I’m being sacked. But I still believe in him.”
Mbuthuma enjoyed a prolific debut campaign with Pirates last season, directly contributing to 11 goals (8 goals, three assists) in 32 matches to help the Buccaneers secure a domestic treble.
