Maela urges Mbuthuma and Orlando Pirates team-mates to stay united under pressure

Former Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has called on Yanela Mbuthuma and his team-mates to remain united and focused as the club’s players come under growing criticism from supporters.

Mbuthuma, a striker, has yet to score this campaign despite appearing in all four of Pirates’ matches so far. His performances have attracted particular scrutiny from the club’s fans, who are waiting for him to open his account.

Maela, who understands the expectations that come with playing for a club of Orlando Pirates’ stature, said the players should draw confidence from the support within the squad and dressing room rather than allow outside criticism to affect them.

“Obviously, playing for a club like ours is not easy, but I always encourage the players that you must stay within the crew, stay within the team and don’t lose your focus in that space,” Maela said.

He was speaking to KickOff on Saturday during the reopening of the club’s store at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

Maela encouraged the players to continue working hard, insisting that their fortunes could change if they maintained their commitment.

“Keep doing what you’re doing, eventually, your luck will turn around because all the players are giving their all, they are doing their best.

“Even when there’s pressure, even when there’s criticism, stay within the team, stay within the spaces where you’re loved and supported, and eventually your luck will turn around.”

The former captain said difficult periods were a normal part of a footballer’s career, including at a major club such as Orlando Pirates. He urged Mbuthuma and the rest of the squad not to abandon their approach simply because results or individual performances were not immediately going their way.

“We have been through that where things do not just go your way, but you are doing the right things each and every day,” he added.

Maela said perseverance would eventually be rewarded, provided the players continued to work and remained connected to those around them.

“But at the end, the luck turns and when it does, you will soar higher and higher. So him and the team must just be within the confinement of the changing room because they are loved and supported.

“Every player goes through rough patches and you face a little bit of criticism.

“But I mean, it’s normal for a club like ours. My message to them is just keep going, keep pushing, your luck will eventually turn. I promise.”

Maela’s comments come as Pirates supporters continue to assess the squad during the early stages of the campaign, with Mbuthuma still searching for the goal that could ease the pressure surrounding him.