Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs has questioned the Buccaneers’ decision to sign Richards Bay FC forward Yanela Mbuthuma.
The Soweto giants have reportedly signed the 23-year-old in recent weeks, aiming to bolster their squad for the upcoming season. The talented frontman had also been linked with a potential move to Pirates’ arch-rivals, Kaizer Chiefs.
Given that Mbuthuma signed a new five-year contract with the Natal Rich Boyz just four weeks ago, if reports of him joining Pirates are accurate, it suggests that Bucs likely paid a substantial transfer fee for his services.
In the last campaign, Mbuthuma was a standout for the KZN outfit, featuring in 27 games across all competitions, where he scored six goals and provided two assists.
His impressive performances for Richards Bay also earned him a Bafana Bafana call-up. He made his national team debut earlier this month in their 2-0 international friendly win over Mozambique.
JOSEPHS EXPRESSES CONCERNS OVER PIRATES’ MBUTUMA SIGNING
Josephs expressed his dissatisfaction with the Pirates’ decision to acquire the services of Mbuthuma, citing that the Sea Robbers should be looking to sign quality players from big clubs above the top eight in the Betway Premiership.
“Why are we looking for players from clubs that are not above the top eight [small teams]? No offence to the player that we have signed,” stated Josephs in conversation with SoccerBeat.
“But our intentions and mentality are to go out there and compete. Look at how many goals he scored last season: he scored six goals in 27 games. However, no offence to him, but how many games did he start? So, that’s like one goal every six games, pardon me if my math is off.
“But my mind is telling me that we should be looking at the big boys [from big clubs]. We should look inside the top eight teams because outside of the top eight, there’s nothing.”
Meanwhile, while Josephs may not be in favour of the Mbuthuma signing, he has expressed approval for the acquisition of AmaZulu FC winger Tshepang Moremi.
Usuthu confirmed Moremi’s move to the Sea Robbers two days ago. Last season, the 24-year-old featured in 31 games across all competitions for the KZN side, netting four goals and providing seven assists.
“No disrespect to the players who have been signed. Yes, I like Tshepang Moremi. He looks the part and is hungry. That boy looks like he wants to do something and achieve things, you know. So, he is not someone who is going to be happy with getting two pairs of Adidas tracksuits and one pair of sneakers and going to the mall,” he added.
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