Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has hailed the impact of Yanela Mbuthuma on the team, despite the striker recently coming under fire from Buccaneers supporters for failing to convert goal-scoring opportunities.
The 24-year-old former Richards Bay FC marksman has been the preferred striker for Ouaddou since the beginning of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season. However, Mbuthuma has yet to open his account this season after four games across all competitions, but his impact has been visible up front.
Speaking after the 3-0 win against Chippa United at the Kings Park Stadium in Durban on Sunday, Ouaddou emphasised why it’s important for Pirates supporters to always show support to the striker.
“Mbuthuma in the game, if you properly analyse the game, as a tactician, this guy is doing well for the team,” Ouaddou said.
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“Of course we are expecting efficiency in the last third, but we can not kill a fantastic player with a lot of hope, a lot of future for Pirates just because the guy is in a difficult moment. We have to support him.”
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“I really thank, from my deepest heart, the fans in Durban just because of the ‘flowers’ they sent him today [Sunday]. It’s a very strong message. You can see the boy was flying because he had fantastic words coming from the stand. It’s what it should be like when we support the team.”
Meanwhile, in the three league games since the start of the season, Pirates have found the back of the net six times, tied with Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch FC. They have only conceded one goal so far, alongside AmaZulu FC.
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