Ex-Orlando Pirates frontman Lehlohonolo Majoro has explained why Yanela Mbuthuma remains a key player in the Buccaneers’ setup despite the recent backlash from supporters.
The 24-year-old centre-forward has featured in six games across all competitions for the Soweto giants in the current campaign. However, his failure to open his scoring account this season had placed him under mounting pressure over his goal drought.
However, Mbuthuma silenced his doubters with a stellar performance on Saturday, 29 August, in the MTN8 semi-final second-leg encounter against Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto.
The former Richards Bay FC man turned provider twice in the first half, laying on precise assists for both Thapelo Mokobodi and Gamphani Lungu to put the tie out of Babina Noko’s reach.
As a result, the Sea Robbers secured a 4-0 aggregate victory following an entertaining second-leg clash, having carried a 1-0 advantage from the first leg.
The result saw Pirates write a new chapter in South African football history by becoming the first team to reach five consecutive MTN8 finals in the competition’s 55-year history.
LEHLOHONOLO MAJORO BACKS YANELA MBUTHUMA AMIDST CRITICISM
Speaking in an exclusive interview with FARPost, Majoro insisted that Mbuthuma’s contribution extends far beyond just finding the back of the net.
“I agree that Mbuthuma has been under a lot of pressure and criticism from supporters. However, I believe Mbuthuma doesn’t enter the field of play and decide, ‘Today, I want to miss chances’,” Majoro told FARPost.
“Every player, when he enters the field, wants to do well and win for the team. But I think sometimes we just have to look at football through the eyes of a real person who analyses the game. There’s a lot that Mbuthuma contributes to Orlando Pirates on the field, especially when it comes to ball retention, good hold-up play, and ball recovery when Pirates want to apply pressure; he then recovers the ball quickly.
“Like I said, a good striker is still judged by the number of goals he scores or creates. In terms of creation, he has created a couple of scoring opportunities and made space for his teammates.”
‘IT TOOK ME FOUR MONTHS TO SCORE MY FIRST GOAL AT PIRATES’: LEHLOHONOLO MAJORO
Reflecting on his own career, the former Pirates goalscorer drew parallels to his own slow start at the Soweto giant, offering words of encouragement to Mbuthuma.
“For me, I understand the pressure because I have been in the same situation when I moved to Pirates. It took about four months for me to score my first goal. It was tough, but these are the moments that help us grow as superstars and make us understand why we chose to play the game,” he added.
“These types of situations are the ones that make us better players. That’s why we have to keep believing in ourselves and working hard. All you need is just one goal, and everything goes back to normal.”
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