Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs believes Yanela Mbuthuma has the quality to lead the line as the club’s first-choice number nine, but not without composure.
The 23-year-old striker from Lamontville, Durban, joined the Sea Robbers from Richards Bay FC, where he scored 10 goals and provided eight assists in 83 appearances. His move to Pirates came after steady progress and consistent performances.
Since pulling on the black jersey, Mbuthuma has delivered five goals and one assist in 14 matches. There have been encouraging signs, but also moments where he could have been more decisive in front of goal.
Josephs feels the striker has the quality and enjoys the confidence of coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. However, he believes Mbuthuma needs to improve his composure and back himself more in key situations.
If that confidence grows and he keeps a calm head in front of goal, Josephs is confident the goals will flow.
MOENEED JOSEPHS: HE IS TRYING TOO HARD
“My honest opinion on the boy, right? I just think he’s trying too hard,” Josephs said on the Soccer Beat podcast. “For me, he’s trying too hard, you know?
“He has been doing all the right things, but the thing that he must do is put the ball in the back of the net. He’s just not settled in that box area there, you know?
“And I know there’s pressure on him because people are expecting him to score goals. We’re expecting him to score goals. But it’s going to be hard for him to score goals if he’s putting that pressure on himself.
“He needs to be a little bit calmer in that box there. He needs to be aware of his surroundings…
“The coach is showing faith in him. Don’t worry about what is on the bench. Worry about the job at hand. The job at hand is for him to score goals. That is where the mind must be. If he gets into areas, he’s going to score goals. Then everything else goes away.
“I can see he’s playing with nerves, and he’s trying too hard. Don’t worry about anything else; put all that pressure aside. The coach is showing confidence in you. You need to repay that faith. The only way you’re going to repay that faith is to score those goals.
“Stop stressing about anything else. Don’t put yourself under unnecessary stress by taking the extra touch. We believe in your ability. You are our top striker now. Show us that, my boy,” Josephs concluded.
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