Richards Bay FC chairman Jomo Biyela has revealed why he believes Yanela Mbuthuma is a perfect fit for Orlando Pirates.
The 23-year-old striker earned himself a dream move to the Soweto giants after an impressive campaign at his former club, Richards Bay, in the 2024/25 PSL season.
Mbuthuma served as one of Richards Bay’s most influential figures, helping the team climb from the relegation zone to secure a top-eight finish eventually. Having registered a goal and an assist in their 2-0 victory over SuperSport United, Mbuthuma helped his team leapfrog Kaizer Chiefs to clinch eighth position in their final league fixture.
Mbuthuma’s former chairman, Biyela, has reflected on his transfer to Pirates, alluding to having not held the player back, given he had given everything to the KZNl-based club.
“The fact that they spoke to us in terms of him joining them and the fact that he has done a lot of things for us is fine, and that’s the age group that they are recruiting. So, he fits into the profile of the players that they want in their camp,” said the Richards Bay boss.
BIYELA MAINTAINS MBUTHUMA FITS THE PIRATES BILL
The new Buccaneers recruit has since been involved in all the first three competitive games at his new club, having come in as a substitute on all occasions.
However, the Soweto Giants have encountered a nervy start in their league campaign, losing their first two games and sitting on nil points.
With his involvement in both games, Mbuthuma has gotten his share of wrath from a frustrated fanbase on social media, who, amidst panic, have questioned his compatibility in the Bucs squad. But, Biyela backs his former soldier, asserting that the reigning MTN8 champions maintain meticulous profiling in their recruitment, and adding that Mbuthuma is well-suited for it.
“So, it’s fine, Pirates is a big club. If they had wanted a big striker from Africa, they could have done that, given their resources, but they know exactly what they want to achieve. They know exactly the profile of the players they want, so I think he fits that profile,” added Biyela.
The PSL top official further expanded on the age element. “Just like us here, we only signed one to three experienced players, but we need that energy going forward. So, I think even if you look at other teams as well, not only us. Arrows, AmaZulu FC, everyone now is going in that direction of playing youngsters.”
Although yet to find fortune in front of goal, Mbuthuma is no stranger to the target, having registered six goals in his 27 appearances at the Natal Rich Boys last season.
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