Pirates boss Ouaddou backs Mbuthuma amid nine-game scoring drought

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised the club’s supporters for standing by striker Yanela Mbuthuma as he continues to search for his next goal.

Mbuthuma has not scored since April of the previous campaign, when he found the net against AmaZulu FC. The 24-year-old has managed eight goals in 36 appearances for Pirates and is now enduring a run of nine consecutive matches without scoring.

The drought has frustrated some Pirates supporters, but Ouaddou has again offered his full backing to the former Richards Bay striker, stressing that Mbuthuma remains an important player for the Buccaneers.

“Mbuthuma in the game properly if you analyse the game as a technician this guy is doing well for the team really, ” he said in his post-match presser.

Ouaddou acknowledged that Mbuthuma must become more effective in front of goal, particularly in the final third, but warned against judging the forward solely on his lack of goals.

“Of course now we are we expecting this efficiency in the last third, but we cannot kill a fantastic player with a lot of future, for Pirates, because the guy is in in a moment that is a bit difficult for him, we have to support him.

“I thank, from my deepest heart the fans of Durban. You know, because just the flowers that they sent him today, it’s a very strong message.

“You can see the boy that he was flying because he heard these fantastic words coming from the stand. It’s what it should be when we support the team.”

The French-Moroccan manager said the reaction from the supporters had made a significant impression on Mbuthuma. Rather than allowing the striker’s difficult spell to isolate him, the fans’ encouragement gave him renewed energy and showed the importance of collective support around the team.

For Ouaddou, Mbuthuma’s contribution must be assessed through his overall performance rather than his goalscoring record alone. He believes the striker is still performing positively for Pirates and has considerable potential, despite the pressure created by his current run without a goal.

The coach’s comments come as Mbuthuma’s wait for a goal continues beyond his last strike against AmaZulu FC in April of the previous campaign. His record of eight goals in 36 games for Pirates means he remains a player with a role to play, even as supporters expect greater efficiency in the final third.

Ouaddou’s message was clear: Mbuthuma needs encouragement during a difficult period, not condemnation. The backing from the supporters in Durban, combined with the manager’s public defence, reflects Pirates’ desire to help the striker regain confidence while he attempts to end his nine-match scoring drought.

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