Vilakazi backs Mbuthuma after Pirates fans’ criticism

Orlando Pirates midfielder Benedict Vilakazi has defended striker Yanela Mbuthuma after the 24-year-old came under criticism from some of the club’s supporters following Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at AmaZulu.

Mbuthuma missed two opportunities during the match, which left the Betway Premiership defending champions second in the table with four points from two games. Pirates are two points behind arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs, who lead the early standings.

The striker has scored five league goals for Orlando Pirates since joining the club last season, leading to frustration among sections of the fanbase. Some supporters have suggested that Pirates should sign another forward to provide Mbuthuma with competition and support in attack.

Vilakazi, known as ‘Tso’, acknowledged the disappointment surrounding Mbuthuma’s finishing but argued that the striker contributes in other important areas. In particular, he said Mbuthuma’s movement regularly draws defenders out of position and creates opportunities for his team-mates.

“I’m not defending this boy but there’s one or two things that he does well,” said Tso to iDiski TV.

“He can create chances. I know everyone is frustrated that he’s not scoring. I get it. I also sometimes get frustrated to say but my boy what else needs to be done to you.

“When you look at him, he makes good runs and he takes those two centre-backs away from that central position, to create space for the midfielders to come in.

“He does that very well. But now here comes an opportunity for him put the ball in, yes in the first half I could understand because he beat the keeper, but the defender was there to cover.

“That one I can say it does happen but second half I even said you can see the ball comes from your right side and the keeper is here, there’s no way you are going to play it there. I thought he was going to play it back to his left foot because he just needed a tap in…”

Vilakazi’s comments followed a performance in which Mbuthuma was involved in Pirates’ attacking play but was unable to convert the chances that came his way. The former Orlando Pirates player said the first missed opportunity was understandable because AmaZulu’s goalkeeper had been beaten but a defender was still positioned to cover the goal.

He was more critical of the second chance, saying Mbuthuma should have adjusted his finish because of the direction of the delivery and the goalkeeper’s position. According to Vilakazi, the forward only needed to make a simple tap-in by using his left foot.

Despite the criticism, Vilakazi believes Mbuthuma’s ability to occupy centre-backs remains valuable to Pirates. His runs can open central spaces for midfielders to attack, meaning his contribution is not limited to goals.

Tso’s full analysis of the Betway Premiership meeting between AmaZulu and Orlando Pirates is available on the official iDiski TV YouTube channel.