Former Orlando Pirates striker Lehlohonolo Majoro has weighed in on how Yanela Mbuthuma managed to overcome the early-season scrutiny to rediscover his best form for both club and country.
Mbuthuma endured a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign, facing intense pressure and criticism from Pirates supporters after failing to find the back of the net in the opening fixtures.
However, the 24-year-old silenced his doubters on Saturday, 29 August, with a standout performance in the MTN8 semi-final second leg against Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium. Mbuthuma set up two first-half goals for Thapelo Mokobodi and Gamphani Lungu, securing a decisive victory over Babina Noko.
The result earned the Soweto giants a place in the history books, making them the first team to reach five consecutive MTN8 finals in the tournament’s 55-year history.
Mbuthuma carried that momentum into the Betway Premiership, netting a brace against Kruger United on 1 September 2026. This season, the frontman has made 10 appearances across all competitions for the Buccaneers, registering two goals and two assists.
His club performances earned him a call-up to the South African national team. Mbuthuma featured in two of Bafana Bafana’s three matches during the recent FIFA international window.
The forward featured in the 2-1 2027 AFCON qualifying win over Guinea, where he bagged an assist, before remaining an unused substitute in the 5-0 victory against Eritrea. He then returned to action in the 1-0 friendly win over Egypt.
LEHLOHONOLO MAJORO PRAISES YANELA MBUTHUMA’S RESILIENCE
Speaking in an exclusive interview with FARPost, Majoro expressed delight at seeing Mbuthuma rise above the initial backlash.
“It makes me very happy to see a player who was under fire being able to overcome that pressure by continuing to show what they are capable of. We, as players, have also felt that pressure before, and we know that it’s not nice,” Majoro told FARPost.
“I always say that just because a player has one bad game, it doesn’t make him a bad player. So, for him to be called up for Bafana and also create an assist in our first game of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Guinea really makes me happy as a former striker.
“I believe that this might have lifted his confidence and the belief that he belongs in the national team. I hope to see him continue with the same performance he has been displaying recently.”
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